SDMC to give uniform, ID cards to mosquito-control staff

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation today said dengue breeding checkers (DBCs) would be provided uniforms and identity cards so that they can discharge their duties without any hindrance.
Many people do not allow mosquito-breeding checking staff into their houses, an issue that has been plaguing the civic bodies in implementing their vector-control programme. Currently they visit houses in plainclothes.
The issue was brought up during the session of the SDMC House when both ruling BJP and opposition AAP councillors discussed the matter on sanitation and vector-borne diseases.
"The SDMC will provide uniform and identity card to the DBCs to allay any apprehension on part of the residents about them," Municipal Commissioner P K Goel was quoted as saying by the SDMC in a statement.

He further said eight supersucker-cum-jetting machines will be purchased soon and tenders will be issued for buying 12 more machines. These machines will help in clearing the water logging and thus curb breeding of mosquitoes.
South Delhi Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat said an action plan has been prepared to tackle the menace of vector-borne diseases this season.

"We are focusing on intensifying awareness drive. There is no treatment available for dengue and chikungunya, so we will have to go all-out to control mosquito-breeding. And, for this the role of our around 1,200 DBCs is crucial. We have raised their remuneration to Rs 14,000 per month which is as per the minimum wages," she said.

The mayor further said in order to educate students and their parents, dengue-themed homework cards have been distributed.
A toll free helpline -- 1800112260 has been made functional, about 160 hoardings in each zone have been installed, 100 billboards have been put up, and a large number of pamphlets have been distributed, she said.
"The corporation has now decided to increase the number of three-wheeler-mounted public address systems from 12 to 104 to enable dissemination of awareness and precautionary measures in all 104 wards.
"Apart from this workshops are being organised in association with RWAs and market associations," the mayor said.

As per the the latest municipal corporation report released yesterday, at least 61 cases of dengue and 131 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the national capital till June 3.