DU colleges fined for mosquito breeding

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has found high levels of mosquito breeding in Delhi University's North Campus colleges in the past one month. Institutes fined

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has found high levels of mosquito breeding in Delhi University's North Campus colleges in the past one month.

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Hansraj College — one of the host colleges where foreign delegates are expected to stay during the upcoming Games — was challaned after officials founds regular instances of mosquito breeding. Several students of Kirori Mal College have also reported of dengue fever.

"We had apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the situation, calling for immediate action on the dengue situation about 15 days ago. We had also advised the vice-chancellor to appoint nodal officers in all colleges to look into the preventive measures for mosquito breeding," said Dr VK Monga, chairman, public health committee, MCD. "No action has been taken. On a recent recce, our officials found several pockets where mosquito breeding was taking place," he said.

VK Kawatra, principal, Hansraj College denied of being issued any challan by the MCD. "We have not got any challans. On two occasions, we had called MCD officials to carry out fogging exercise to prevent mosquito breeding on campus," said Kawatra, adding, "We have also appointed two people to regularly go around the campus and spray kerosene on all places where pools of water are seen.

Kirori Mal College Principal Bhim Sen denied any knowledge of students falling prey to dengue. "I have no information on any cases of dengue from our college. We have left the task of fogging to MCD. It is not our job to drive away mosquitoes," said Sen.

Shri Ram College of Commerce, Hindu, Ramjas, Kirori Mal College, Hansraj College, Miranda House, St Stephens and Daulat Ram will start receiving foreign delegates from October 1 for the Games, which commence on October 3.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 68 more cases of dengue, taking the total number of positive cases to 2, 153. So far, five people have succumbed to dengue in the Capital.