The Hindu 02.09.2010
Intensive mosquito control drive under way
Staff Reporter
TIRUVANNAMALAI: District Epidemic Prevention Coordination Committee convened here on Tuesday decided to take up intensive mosquito control drive between September 1 and 15 in order to prevent spread of contagious diseases in epidemic proportions during upcoming monsoon.
District Collector M. Rajendran presided over the meeting in which Block Development Officers, Executive Officers of Town Panchayats and Commissioners of Municipalities in the district participated apart from health officials.
In his address, collector asked officials to spread awareness of mosquito control measures among public, especially students. “Local bodies should clean Over Head Tanks (OHTs) at least once a month; Breaks and cavities in drinking water pipelines should be repaired. The habit of pit taping rampant among public should be checked and all taps should be above the floor level, since this habit makes pipe lines susceptible to contamination. Drinking water should be properly treated using chlorine, in the ratio of 4 gram per 1000 liters. These things should be ensured during the 15-day drive,” collector said.
“Fever detection should be intensified and monitoring committees should be formed at district and block levels to review and monitor epidemic prevention measures. Ankanvaadi centers should be kept clean and tidy.
Officials of concerned departments should take action to provide safe drinking water to every student,” he added. Dr. Devaparthasarathi, Deputy Director (Health Services) who participated in the meeting told TheHindu later, that destroying containers in open spaces would be part of the source reduction drive taken out to prevent occurrence of dengue and Chikungunya. “All the local bodies are asked to intensify this work and report about their activities at the end of the drive,” He added.
Joint Director (Medical Service) Dr. Vijayakumar, Deputy Director (Family welfare) Dr. Thirugnanasambandam, District Entomologists Dr. Moorthi and Dr. Manivarma, and Assistant Director (Panchayats) Manoharan were among the participants.
