LG reviews preps by authorities over vector-borne diseases, street crimes

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 28

Lt Governor (LG) Anil Baijal today sat through meetings to review preparation of the city authorities in preventing vector-borne diseases with the arrival of monsoon and also that of the police authority to curb street crimes.

At a meeting aimed to discuss the status of measures taken to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria and seasonal influenza in the city, LG directed local bodies and other agencies to intensify vector-control measures and directed authorities concerned to ensure proper coordination with neighbouring states to tackle the diseases.

The LG was informed that letters along with an advisory, including “Dos & Don'ts”, has been sent to various government and private institutions for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.

“The LG has directed for intensification of vector-control measures by field staff of local bodies (domestic breeding checkers or DBCs), besides distributing public awareness material during their visits. Regular house-to-house visits for checking and eliminating all possible breeding sites should be made, besides regular monitoring of DBCs by higher officials,” read a statement issued by the LG office.

Baijal has directed authorities to motivate RWAs and general public to participate in prevention of breeding of mosquitoes. Community leaders and field level agencies should also be involved in generating awareness in the community, especially  in identified high-risk wards and underprivileged areas, unauthorised colonies, JJ clusters and construction sites.

Baijal also asked for regular review meetings at the level of district magistrates with all stakeholders to review the situation in their respective districts. In addition, all offices/ institutes should designate a nodal officer to carry out vector-borne control related activities and the name of the contact person must be put up at prominent sites by them.

The meeting was attended by Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, North Delhi Municipal Corporation chair Naresh Kumar and senior officers of the health and urban development departments. Three municipal commissioners and officials from Public Works Department, police, railway and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, among others were also present at today's meeting.

In another meeting, Delhi Police presented the preventive measures taken by them to curb the menace of street crimes. It  included identification of district-wise top crime-prone areas, strategy to man them, regular interaction with elderly people especially those living alone, sale of liquor to underage and drinking at public places and mechanism to be evolved to have structured interaction between the SHOs and Principals of girls' colleges and schools.

It was informed that 174 anti-snatching teams have been constituted. Further, it was informed that 877 snatchers have been apprehended in 2018 and 1,059 cases solved by the police.

At the outset, LG directed that beat patrolling on motorcycles be intensified as it serves the dual purpose of increased police visibility as well as greater area coverage in a short span of time.

LG also directed that the registration of senior citizens residing alone should be facilitated by Delhi Police and regular surprise checks to this may be carried out. LG directed that exemplary punishment must be ensured as per law wherever liquor is served to underage persons.

Finally, LG advised Education Department to deploy a greater number of security guards in and around schools during girls’ shift to boost their sense of security.