The Hindu      25.07.2014

HDMC resumes drive against plastic carry bags

HDMC officials checking plastic carry bags at a shop in Hubli on Thursday.— Photo: Kiran Bakale

Following continuing usage of plastic carry bags of less than 40 microns by shopkeepers, the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has, after two years, resumed its drive against use of such bags.

On Thursday, it was carried out in shops at Janata Bazar in Hubli, which came under HDMC Zonal Office No. 8.

Assistant Commissioner of Zone 8 Ganachari and officials raided shops and searched for plastic bags of less than 40 microns. Mr. Ganachari told The Hindu that they found its rampant use by shopkeepers despite the ban.

Mr. Ganachari added that the shopkeepers had been issued notices and had also been warned that their trade licence would be cancelled if they continued to violate the law.

The Hindu       25.07.2014

Keeping a check on mosquito breeding spots

With the number of dengue cases increasing in the city, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is focussing on indentifying mosquito breeding spots and source reduction.

Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti mosquito that breeds in fresh water. The mosquito is active only during the day.

In a random survey at Atturu ward on Wednesday, the BBMP officials covered 915 houses and found Aedes aegypti larvae in 150 houses. The ward has 1,500 houses with a population of 6,000. Dengue and other fever symptoms were found in 66 households.

15 teams formed

On Wednesday, the BBMP formed 15 teams after roping in staff from the primary health centre, Atturu, and around 75 students from Mirinda Nursing College.

The BBMP’s health officials undertook the survey to identify breeding spots towards source reduction that will go a long way in checking the spread of the disease.

A senior health official told The Hindu that since January 2014, as many as 110 cases of dengue had been reported. The civic body is taking up information, education and communication (IEC) activities to create awareness about checking the spread of the disease.

Surveys being taken up

The official said that dengue cases were being reported mostly from Malleswaram and C.V. Raman Nagar areas. “Most other cases that are reported are sporadic. The IEC activities and surveys are being taken up in areas where more cases were reported,” the official said.

Asked about the two suspected dengue deaths reported from Kadirenapalya, the official said it was still unconfirmed.

“The incidence of the disease is more during monsoon. We are taking all precautionary steps to control the spread of the disease,” the official added.