Prevent outbreak of vector-borne diseases: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee instructed the civic bodies to take steps to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases and conserve water.

Heading the administrative review meeting of North 24-Parganas at Nazrul Mancha in Madhyamgram on Friday afternoon, she said there had been outbreaks of dengue and malaria in different areas in North 24-Parganas that include vast areas under Dum Dum, South Dum Dum and North Dum Dum municipalities, Salt Lake, Bongaon and Bagda in 2018.

She also asked District Magistrate of North 24-Parganas Chaitali Chakraborty to hold meeting twice a month with the municipalities and take stock of the measures taken to combat the disease. "Last year there was an outbreak of dengue and malaria in the North 24-Parganas. Steps should be taken by all the municipalities to prevent the outbreak of vector-borne diseases. This is a very serious issue and should be addressed immediately."

The Chief Minister also asked the civic bodies to prepare schemes to conserve water and urged the government officials to come up with innovative projects.

The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Sandeshkhali said in 19 government establishments rainwater harvesting has been introduced. "We will have to conserve water and implement the schemes under 'Jal Dharo Jal Bharo' project. The government officials should come up with innovative schemes," she said, adding "electricity is being produced from solid waste in Bantala."

Banerjee asked S K Thade, Principal Secretary, Backward Classes Development department, to expedite the distribution of caste certificates. "I have received complaints that some applicants have been harassed unnecessarily. This should be avoided." The Principal Secretary informed her that special camps will be held soon to issue the documents.

Two garment and apparel parks are coming up at Barasat and Mahishbathan in North 24-Parganas. In Barasat, construction of the park on 24 acres of land is completed while in Mahishbathan, construction of the park on 4 lakh square feet has been completed. Members of the North 24-Parganas' Chambers of Commerce informed Banerjee that businessmen from other states who visited the park have appreciated the infrastructural facilities.

She maintained that two gates with photographs of Baba Loknath will come up at Chakla Dham and Kachua where lakhs of devotees visit every year. The road in Chakla will be repaired, she said.

This administrative review meeting was the first one to be held after the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections was imposed in March.