Waterlogging worries Health Dept

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 24

The waterlogging at roadsides, vacant plots and garbage dumps following the recent rain in the city has left the Health Department worried as such places are becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Health officials are gearing up to tackle the cases of dengue and malaria.

A poster to create awareness on prevention of malaria and dengue was released by Civil Surgeon Dr Pradeep Chawla here today. He said, “The accumulation of water at the roadsides and vacant plots can cause mosquito breeding. It is advised that oil is sprinkled over the accumulated water to check mosquito breeding. People should ensure that no waste material holds water in their surroundings.”

The recent rain in the area has resulted in waterlogging in the low lying areas. Waterlogging can also be seen on the premises of the ESI Hospital and the government college.

District Malaria Officer Madan Mohan said, “The malaria-causing mosquito breeds in stagnant water. Panchayats and the Local Bodies Department have been instructed to use waste oil (used automobile engine oil) to check mosquito breeding.”

Health officials said the institutes where water gets accumulated after rain should focus on making arrangement to check mosquito breeding.

The Health Department, learning a crucial lesson from the previous year in which over 1,500 dengue patients were reported and three persons lost their lives, is playing a proactive role this season, the officials said.

The department plans to display posters sensitising people to vector-borne diseases. People should wear full sleeved clothes and use mosquito repellents, the officials added.