To check the spread of contagious diseases, the City Corporation is forming a task force. The 24-hour squad led by the Health Officer will have five members. Dial any of the three numbers 9996434517, 9496434466 or 9496434433 and the squad will spring into action. Cleaning the drains, clearing the water-logging and source-level eradication in places where contagious diseases are likely to crop up will promptly be carried out by the squad.

Addressing a news conference here on Monday, Mayor K Chandrika said that the threat of waterborne diseases was looming large over the coastal areas. “To take precautionary measures, a meeting of DMOs in Homoeopathy and Ayurveda will be convened on Tuesday. Any preventive measure available with them will be provided for the people in this situation,” she said.

 On Tuesday morning, the Corporation is launching a cleaning drive in the areas under the Fort Health Office. Cleaning activities will be carried out in every ward coming under the circle. Besides, the Corporation has strictly warned the owners / caretakers of vacant plots lying dirty and covered with plants. “Strict action, including prosecution, will be taken against those who do not clean up such plots.” the Mayor said.

Demand to bring back health officer

Very recently, the Government had transferred health officer in the City Corporation Dr D Sreekumar to Thalassery and right now the service of only one health officer is available in the civic body. In the news conference, BJP leader in the council P Asok Kumar requested the Government to make the service of Sreekumar available at least till the monsoon season was over.

 The Mayor added that in place of four health officers, currently the service of only one health officer was available. “Against the background of the closure of the centralised garbage treatment plant at Vilappilsala, at least eight health officers are required for the smooth functioning of the health wing of the Corporation,” said Chandrika.

 Meanwhile, the post of Secretary has also been lying vacant in the Corporation for some time.