KMC seeks help of rly authorities to check spread of malaria, dengue
Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has requested Eastern Railway authorities to clear garbage in its staff quarters and ensure that no water gets accumulated on the roofs of its office buildings.
A meeting between senior KMC officials of the Health department and their counterparts in the railways was held on Thursday.
KMC teams are visiting institutional buildings like schools, hospitals and offices run by both Centre and state governments, as a part of the anti-larvae drive taken up by the civic authorities.
Following an initiative taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, anti-larvae drives are being conducted by all the civic bodies throughout the state. Monsoon provides the ideal breeding time for the mosquitoes and the pupae take only seven days to become adult mosquitoes. To control malaria and dengue, all the municipalities have taken up drives and campaigns to create awareness among residents.
KMC officials urged the railway authorities to clear garbage from the prohibited areas where civic workers are not allowed to enter, to ensure that empty plastic cups and uncovered plastic bottles are removed daily. They have also been asked to ensure that the underground reservoirs and overhead tanks are properly covered.
The civic officials also urged the railway authorities to set up small teams to oversee the cleaning operation. If needed, KMC will provide every assistance to the teams. The civic officials said garbage at the staff quarters on Caiser Street and Beliaghata needs to be cleaned everyday.
The KMC officials said awareness drives have been launched in January and people have been requested to clear the containers at least once a week. Flower vases and the trays of refrigerators also have to be cleaned once a week. But despite best efforts of the civic authorities, the awareness level is not very high and to control malaria and dengue effectively, close cooperation between the civic authorities and public is required.
