GHMC steps up efforts to tackle mosquito-borne diseases

Hyderabad: To prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the entomology wing of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on Friday carried out a massive special drive in various schools. For the past few days, GHMC commissioner Amrapali Kata conducted surprise inspections in the city and focused on proper cleanliness in the corporation limits. According to the entomology wing, on Thursday, the commissioner directed officials to ensure that the city roads are swept regularly and kept clean. She also advised entomology teams to conduct door-to-door visits and take special measures for mosquito prevention. “Following the commissioner’s order, special awareness drives were launched starting from school to tackle mosquito-borne diseases,” said chief entomologist Dr Rambabu. He said awareness and health seminars on mosquito prevention were organised among students in various schools across the city on Friday during the drive. Officials made over 30,000 students from 150 schools aware about prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. Similarly, stalls were also set up in schools where they were told how a mosquito transforms from egg to larva stage,” said Dr. Rambabu.

To create awareness among residents, entomology staff go door-to-door to identify spots where water is stagnant and remove it. GHMC is implementing a surveillance system to keep track of mosquito breeding sites.

The wing has launched door-to-door surveys in over 4,800 colonies, inspecting basements, construction sites and low-lying areas. Special focus is being given to areas with high population density, he said.

The entomology and health departments have jointly initiated several measures to address the issue. To spread awareness and health programmes to a large number, MPs, MLAs, mayor, deputy mayor, corporators, other public representatives, VIPs, GHMC officials, colony welfare association representatives are being involved.

Meanwhile, to address the issue of garbage removal on roads, the commissioner directed the officials to ensure complete removal of garbage from garbage sensitive points (GVPs) in the city. She suggested that plexiglass and banners should be installed in all areas with details and phone numbers of the concerned agencies to make citizens aware about lifting of C&D waste.

She asked the officials to clear the garbage. Accordingly, measures should be taken for complete removal of garbage. There should not be any negligence; cleaning works need to be taken care of at the ground level every day,” said Amrapali.