The Pioneer 03.08.2010
Dengue mosquitoes run riot at waterlogged Games sites
Parvaiz Sultan | New Delhi
With an alarming rise in the number of dengue cases in the Capital so far, the viral disease may pose serious threat during the Commonwealth Games. Holding the Delhi Government and other agencies involved in Games projects, responsible for the rise in number of dengue cases, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday said so far 61 cases have been reported in Delhi and NCR, while the figure was just two up to August 2 last year.
VK Monga, Chairman, Health Committee, MCD, said, the water accumulation at various Games sites is one of the major reasons for the rise in number of dengue cases.
“In comparison to the last year’s statistics, this year has seen 30 times rise in dengue cases. The various sites have been dug up unnecessarily and left uncovered or unfilled where water has gathered consequently leading to mosquito breeding. Regardless of several reminders sent to concerned agencies, no necessary action has been taken. For the rise in dengue incident, only CWG construction is to be blamed,” he said adding a case of chikungunya has also been reported this year.
As per the latest data available up to August 2, 2010, 48 out of 61 cases belong to the Delhi and remaining 13 cases have been reported from neighbouring States. Surprisingly, during first seven months of 2009, only one dengue case came into the light in the Capital and in 2008 the number was eight. However, the figure was two in 2007 and in 2006 it was three. Conveying his displeasure over the mess, Monga said on July 14, he wrote to Health Minister Kiran Walia to take immediate measures and cooperate with the MCD but she has not responded yet.
“I took initiative and have asked her to convene a meeting of Health Department officials of the Delhi Government with MCD officers. But even after a reminder, I am still waiting to hear. I want this issue to be taken seriously on priority basis for making CWG a success,” said Monga. Meanwhile, Leader of House Subhash Arya also warned no leniency will be allowed; guilty will be punished.
Last Month, Municipal Commissioner KS Mehra has cautioned that there may be outbreak of viral illness during the gala sporting event in the city. “Since dengue, a viral illness with cyclical trend of increase in cases after every three-four years is coinciding with Games this year, citizens of Delhi should come forward for lending a helping hand to MCD,” said Mehra.
After detecting mosquito breeding in several stadia being prepared for the Commonwealth Games, the agency has initiated prosecution against the nodal officers of Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, RK Khanna Sports Complex, DDA Sports Complex, Saket, CWG Village, Yamuna Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex and others. MCD has also hired 280 anti-malaria inspectors including 3,500 Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs). In view of the Games, the recruitment was made in April while they would recruit in June every year normally.
