PANAJI
The Directorate of Health Services has issued directives to multiple government departments to gear up against mosquito breeding ahead of the monsoon.
Missives have gone out to the Panchayat and Municipal Administration departments, the Public Works Department, and the Electricity Department, among others, asking them to keep vigil in their estates and jurisdictions.
The focus is to prevent stagnation of water and Health officials warned that unchecked pools become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the risk of vector‘borne diseases, particularly dengue and malaria. “Every department must ensure its premises are free of stagnant water. Vigilance now will save lives later,” a senior health officer said.
Local bodies have been told to intensify cleaning drives and PWD engineers in their respective sub-divisional jurisdictions are tasked with clearing drains and ensuring smooth flow of storm water.
The Electricity Department has been asked to check transformer sites and yards where water often collects.
Municipal councils and panchayats are expected to mobilize workers for door‘to‘door inspections and promote community participation where citizens cooperate by keeping surroundings clean, the senior health officer added.
The directives come as Goa braces for heavy rains with the onset of the monsoon. Last year, dengue and malaria infections were reported during the season although the overall graph of cases has dipped significantly.
Vessel owners also directed to take precautions
PANAJI: The Captain of Ports has directed all maritime operators to prevent mosquito breeding during the monsoon. Barge owners, watersports operators, canoe owners, docks, and shipyards have been told to avoid water stagnation in barges, boats, tyres, and dock areas by regularly draining rainwater.
Boat owners have been advised to cover vessels or keep them upturned when not in use. Instructions are also issued to vessel and dock operators to ensure workers are screened for malaria and issued health cards by the Directorate of Health Services.
