PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The chief medical officer, Dehradun, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma said he would write to the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) to address the issue of stagnant water in flower pots, fountains and planters installed by it across the city as part of its beautification efforts. “With dengue cases being reported from the city, water stagnating in these pots could prove to be a breeding ground for dengue larvae,” he added. Notably, The Pioneer contacted the CMO and drew his attention to the looming threat which might escalate the mosquito-borne disease.
MDDA has installed planters and fountains in several areas of the city for beautification purposes. However, during the monsoon season, rainwater accumulates in these pots for extended periods, increasing the risk of dengue outbreaks in a vulnerable district where several cases have already been reported so far. This issue not only pertains to the MDDA’s planters but also raises concerns that the same situation is prevailing in many government departments and commercial establishments, deepening the dengue threat.
As The Pioneer raised the issue, Dehradun CMO acknowledged that the presence of stagnant water in MDDA flower pots might aggravate things. “Besides, we are also conducting regular dengue surveillance and prevention activities through Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and volunteers,” he said, adding that he would flag their concern to the MDDA, asking for corrective action. “They should make it a point to have accumulated water in such planters drained out at least once a week,” he stated.
Sharma added that regarding all government departments and commercial establishments, ASHA workers and volunteers are checking the designated wards under their ongoing drive. “At least one person should be assigned the task of seeing to it that there is no stagnant water on their premises, whether it is a commercial institution or a government department,” he said.
Further, he suggested that these departments/establishments conduct inspections once in the week to ensure there is no stagnant water in their surroundings.
