Siliguri, Sept. 15 -- With the dengue situation in Siliguri currently under control, the administration has stepped up preventive measures ahead of the Durga Puja season to prevent a rise in cases during the festive period.
A meeting was held at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) office to discuss dengue prevention measures, particularly at Durga Puja pandals. Darjeeling District Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Tulsi Pramanik, SMC Administrator R Bimala and other officials attended the meeting.
Pramanik said that although dengue remains under control in Siliguri, the period from September to November generally sees a higher risk of transmission. "There is a possibility of a rise in dengue cases during Durga Puja due to large crowds and rainfall. Along with regular spraying, special attention will be given to Puja pandals," he said.
The administration has instructed Puja committees to cover bamboo structures used for pandal construction with plastic or other materials to prevent water from accumulating on them. Committees have also been asked to ensure that water does not collect in holes in the ground where bamboo poles remain embedded for extended periods, as such stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.
Puja committees are advised to make arrangements for dengue awareness during the puja.
The SMC and health department will jointly inspect Puja pandals if required. The civic body will also monitor waste accumulation around pandals and during immersion activities.Meanwhile, regular spraying is being carried out across wards, while vector control teams are conducting house-to-house surveys. The CMOH said adequate arrangements have also been kept to provide treatment for dengue patients.
According to the health department, 12 dengue cases have been reported in Siliguri since January this year. Last year, more than 20 cases were reported during the same period.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.