BMC adopts five-fold programme to check spread of dengue

More than 50 cases of dengue were reported from Goregaon West’s Shastri and Motilal Nagar,which alerted the civic body to launch extensive campaigns. “Around 2,200 students volunteered for the programme. Till now,we have conducted 87 health camps and appointed 142 labourers this month to maintain cleanliness in the city,” said Manisha Mhaiskar,BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner.

A total of 296 dengue cases have been reported by the civic health department,this year. “A team of 16 doctors has been set up to control the spread of the disease,” she added.

While last year,G South and L wards had recorded high incidences of malaria,this year,P South ward has taken the lead. This month,90 breeding spots,the highest in the city,were found in P-South ward,followed by 77 spots in E ward.

Mhaiskar said from June,2014,schools would add a subject pertaining to health education in the curriculum.

In order to maintain vigilance,the civic body also followed last year’s example of prosecuting offenders,who did not follow malaria preventive measures. This year,BMC has initiated 279 prosecution cases against individuals,societies,offices and institutions after serving them a warning notice under Section 381 of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

“Once a place is sensitised,the owners have the onus of maintaining it. However,we found that several societies had breeding spots even after the sensitisation programmes. After serving them a notice,prosecution was initiated,” said Dr Arun Bamne,BMC Executive Health Officer. The fine levied on the offenders varies from Rs 2,000-5,000,depending on the metropolitan magistrate’s decision.