New Delhi, Aug. 29 -- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Metro Railway on Saturday launched a joint "special drive" against dengue, beginning at Esplanade Metro station and extending to all metro stations in Kolkata and adjoining areas, as well as stations, car sheds and residential colonies under South Eastern Railway.
The drive is being conducted under the joint leadership of KMC administrator Smita Pandey and Metro principal chief medical officer Dr Reena Mukherjee. State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul attended the launch. Paul stressed that the government alone could not eliminate dengue without public participation.
"This is not a fight that the government can wage alone. It has to become a mass movement. Dengue cannot be eliminated unless people become aware," she said.
KMC officials said notices have been issued, or will be issued, to owners of abandoned plots and premises where overgrown vegetation and stagnant water have created, or could create, mosquito-breeding grounds. Action will be taken under Section 496 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act.
The authorities also announced stricter measures against littering. Those found dumping banned plastic or garbage indiscriminately could face fines ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 400.
A tougher warning was issued against spitting and littering in public places. Apart from imposing fines, offenders could be made to clean the spot themselves, with the exercise filmed and the footage uploaded on social media.
Paul said the initiative would not be restricted to the monsoon or to a short-duration campaign. The government plans to continue the drive in coordination with other departments, including the irrigation and public works departments, and expand similar joint operations across the state.
The special campaign is scheduled to continue till September 3.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.