Fighting dengue: Garbage vans to spread prevention message

Seeking to disseminate information on prevention of mosquito-breeding, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation today launched public address system-equipped garbage collection vans in various zones.
South Delhi Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat flagged off 50 auto-tippers (garbage collection vans) carrying PA system in Central Zone to spread information on prevention of vector- borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
According to the latest report on vector-borne diseases, released by the SDMC yesterday, at least 70 cases of dengue and 135 of chikungunya have been reported in Delhi till June 10.
"There is no treatment available for dengue and chikungunya. Hence, we will have to bring in behavioural changes to preclude any possible outbreak situation," Sehrawat said.

Dengue and chikungunya is caused by the bite of aedes mosquito, which breeds in clear water, and desert coolers, flower pots and pet-feeding utensils are some of the common spots where breeding occurs.
"If we clean and dry our water tanks, coolers, flower pots and utensils at least once a week, then it is easy to prevent breeding," the mayor said, while emphasising that many a time the diseases spread due to the carelessness shown by people.

Incidentally, after identifying high mosquito-breeding zones in its area, the SDMC has now armed 200 vector-control staff with app-loaded tablets that would allow them to collect data for real-time monitoring.

The tablets with a special mobile application was launched yesterday by the mayor in the presence of several dengue breeding checkers (DBCs) who have also been given a special uniform, a cap and a new ID card.
Deputy Mayor Kailash Sankla flagged off 88 auto-tippers equipped with PA system in West Zone from its office at Rajouri Garden.
Bhupender Gupta, member of the SDMC's Standing Committee, flagged of 70 auto-tippers from the Najafgarh Zone.
"We would not be able to achieve total success unless we turn this awareness campaign into a public movement," he said
Shika Roy, another member of the committee flagged off 80 similar vans from the South Zone of the SDMC.

She underlined the need for involving RWAs, market associations and other social organisations in creating awareness across Delhi.
The SDMC has 104 wards across four zones -- South, Central, Najafgarh and West. The civic body has identified 16 vulnerable wards for the vector-monitoring project launched yesterday.