The Hindu 13.06.2013
78,000 of city’s poor to get free mosquito nets
Over 78,000 persons living below the poverty line will soon be the first to get mosquito nets free of cost in the city.
The
Chennai Corporation has identified the largest number of the
beneficiaries in Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, where 10,801 persons live below the
poverty line. A total of 7,369 beneficiaries in Tiruvottiyur, 10,462 in
Tondiarpet, 10,193 in Royapuram, 5,039 in Ambattur, 1,621 in Anna Nagar,
8,441 in Teynampet, 3,113 in Kodambakkam, 1,173 in Valasaravakkam,
1,215 in Alandur, 9,243 in Adyar, 6,319 in Perungudi and 3,195 in
Sholinganallur have been shortlisted by the Corporation in the first
phase of distribution of mosquito nets. No beneficiaries have been
identified in Manali and Madhavaram so far.
The
Corporation recently called for expression of interest from
manufacturers to facilitate the distribution of the nets to poor
residents living along the city’s waterways. Each of the polyethylene
mosquito nets are expected to be procured at Rs. 150.
The
holes in the netting will have a diameter of about 2 mm and provide an
effective barrier to Anopheles mosquitoes. The nets will prevent vector
entry and will not lose their dimensional stability after washing. Made
with strong seams, they will retain their strength for many years and
ensure safety for users, officials said.
The
Corporation council, a few months ago, passed a resolution to distribute
mosquito nets to residents along 16 minor and major waterways,
including the Cooum and Adyar rivers and the Buckingham Canal. The move
followed reports that fogging operations were not effective in tackling
mosquitoes in areas near the waterways.
The first
phase of distribution is likely to be approved at the next council
meeting. Health department officials said the initiative is likely to be
the most cost-effective way of battling the mosquito menace without
affecting the environment.
Civic body has identified largest number of the beneficiaries living along waterways in Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar.