The Hindu 10.09.2013
Mosquito control workers barred from Metro Rail sites: Chennai Corporation
The rising mosquito density in localities in the
vicinity of metro rail sites and other government offices has been
bothering residents. But the Corporation is unable to gain access to
such offices and construction sites for carrying out operations.
According
to Corporation sources, metro rail construction sites have emerged as
breeding sources after the recent rains. But malaria workers of the
Chennai Corporation are not permitted to carry out mosquito control
operations on the premises by contractors. Corporation employees in
charge of mosquito control said the reason cited was often safety
concerns. CMRL does not carry out mosquito control operations either.
A
CMRL official said Corporation employees are not being denied entry to
any of its premises and that such operations were being carried out.
Access to other government buildings, belonging to both the Centre and the State said Corporation sources.
The
Central Railway Station, High Court and Ezhilagam premises have
recorded relatively higher mosquito density in recent weeks, they added.
“Aedes
species from such breeding sites can bother residents in a radius of
800 to one kilometre. Anopheles will fly three to four km. The Chennai
Corporation should tackle mosquito breeding,” said B.M. Rex, a pest
control consultant.
The civic body has been trying to
impose fines on owners of construction sites. Rs.1.75 lakh has been
collected from private premises this year.
The
Corporation plans to issue stop work notices to private premises that
harbour mosquitoes. But it is yet to make a decision on issuing such
notices to government buildings or premises.