The Hindu            05.02.2014

Second phase of sterilisation of stray dogs commences

The second phase of ‘Mission Rabies’ which is aimed at sterilisation of stray dogs under Animal Birth Control Project began here on Tuesday.

Around 5,000 dogs in outer areas of the city and in municipalities and town panchayats will be sterilised in a special drive to be conducted till the end of this month.

The Madurai Corporation in collaboration with World Veterinary Service (WVS) and with the support of the district administration is implementing the ‘Mission Rabies’ programme to prevent rabies caused to humans due to dog bites.

Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa, Commissioner Kiran Gurrala and City Health Officer V. Yasodha Mani visited the well-equipped sterilisation centre at Sellur here on Tuesday where an intensive training programme is also being conducted for veterinarians and supporting staff for 10 days.

“Dog bites became a menace and this sterilisation campaign will put an end to it. It is for the safety of people,” the Mayor told a press conference after his meeting with WVS team.

Appupillai Murugan, South India Regional Manager- Mission Rabies, WVS India, said that the highlight of second phase was the arrival of all-terrain modern veterinary operation truck which would be positioned at Corporation’s Sellur centre.

“In the first phase conducted in September last, 8,533 dogs were sterilised in the city. Now, we are focusing on outer areas such as Tirumangalam, Melur and Tirupparankundram,” he said. Last month, Collector L.Subramanian convened a meeting to discuss the implementation of second phase of ‘Mission Rabies.’

Dr.Murugan said that the modern mobile unit had all facilities inside, including surgery tables, X-ray and scan machines. Through ‘Mission Rabies,’ public awareness of preventing rabies cases and training for veterinary doctors would be undertaken.

Special programmes for schoolchildren would be conducted during this month in panchayat schools by the WVS members. “All guidelines on animal safety are followed and there is no scope for cruelty at all. Birth control is the best way to contain rabies and prevent deaths caused by dog bites,” he added.

The Hindu            05.02.2014

Water to be supplied once in four days

To overcome water crisis, the Madurai Corporation will implement a new water distribution plan from February 6 (Thursday).

Drinking water will be supplied once in four days in view of the falling water level in Vaigai dam. Authorities are identifying private sources outside the city to ensure water supply during summer.

Addressing a joint press conference here on Tuesday, Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa and Commissioner Kiran Gurrala said a ward-wise distribution plan had been prepared by dividing the city into two zones.

“The timings of water supply for every locality were worked out. We have no other option but to supply water once in four days. Only then, the availability and requirement can be met by us till April,” Mr.Chellappa said.

The Corporation will dig new borewells in suburban areas and also identify private wells based on a report from engineers and water experts.

According to the Mayor, 34 wells were already identified in outer areas and officials are speaking to the owners to draw water from the wells.

“At the same time, we will also check the water quality through proper lab tests to find out whether it is fit for drinking,” he added.

A. Mathuram, City Engineer, said right now the total quantity of water supplied was 127 million litres per day (MLD), of which 115 MLD came from the Vaigai and the remaining quantity from combined drinking water schemes.

There are 1,846 Corporation borewells and steps are also being taken to deepen tanks in Vandiyur, Sellur and Madakulam.

Residents can obtain details of drinking water supply timings in their area from the local Corporation office or assistant engineers.