Indian Express 29.06.2010
BMC seeks rlys’ help to tackle malaria in city
sharvaripatwa Tags : BMC malaria tackle plan, mumbai Posted: Tue Jun 29 2010, 00:27 hrs
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) public health department has identified over 1,050 spots on the Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR) premises where anti-malaria measures need to be carried out urgently. BMC officials have held a meeting with CR officials seeking a coordinated effort from them to curb the spread of malaria in the city.Last year, a large number of malaria deaths were reported from G South ward (Worli), G North (Dadar and Dharavi), F North (Matunga and Sion), A ward (Churchgate)and E ward (Byculla), said Chief Insecticde Officer of the BMC Anil Bamne. According to civic officials, these are the places which have a large numbers of railway premises, mainly railway employees’ residential colonies.
The BMC has identified 518 CR premises with 1,090 non-mosquito proof spots. The highest number of such premises were found in Kurla (106), Parel (73), and Dadar and Dharavi (60). The largest number of non-mosquito proof spots were identified in Parel (208), Matunga East and Sion (208).
The BMC officials will soon hold a meeting with WR officials also to seek their coordination in the drive against malaria. The civic body has identified 535 WR premises with over 1,330 areas that are non-mosquito proof.
The highest number of WR premises that need urgent anti-malaria measures are in Worli (77), Dadar and Dharavi (66) and Andheri East (63). The largest number of non-mosquito proof areas are in Andheri East (228) and Dadar and Dharavi (197). Railway workshops, yards and residential colonies are major breeding spots, said Bamne.
Improper construction and maintenance of water storage tanks is one reason that civic officials have specifically mentioned in the meeting. “We have asked the railway officials to repair water tanks,” said Bamne. The BMC had identified 89 tanks which are non-mosquito proof and having defects. The BMC also pointed out that scrap yards were a big breeding ground for mosquitoes. Althoguh the CR will not be able to replace the scrap yards or shift them, it has been decided that spraying of anti-larval solution on scrap yards would be carried out, said Bamne.
The BMC’s health department brought on board a retired state department entomologist as a consultant for their drive against malaria last week. As per BMC data, more than 1,275 patients were identifed and admitted to civic hospitals this month. As many as three malaria deaths were reported this month so far. Since January, 21 deaths from malaria have been reported, said a BMC official.
