MCD gives nod to early purchase of larvicides

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) this year will finally be able to execute its plan to start taking early measures against the spread of vector-borne diseases.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) this year will finally be able to execute its plan to start taking early measures against the spread of vector-borne diseases.

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On Wednesday, its standing committee paved the way for the purchase of larvicides, for the purpose.

The plan, however, seemed to hit a roadblock last week, due to a debate over the procedure for procurement of raw material.

A number of councillors, mostly from the ruling BJP, had objected to the proposal placed by MCD's health department before its standing committee to use the government of India undertaking Hindustan Latex Ltd (HLL) as a consultant for procurement of material at two per cent consultancy charge.

They argued that the civic agency should buy the material directly to avoid paying the high consultancy fees. MCD Standing Committee chairman Yogender Chandolia said the proposals were given a nod keeping in view the fact that these materials will be needed soon for anti-mosquito operations in the city.

"However, we have told the health department that next time they should do a rethink on the issue. Why should we pay consultancy fee to HLL when we can buy the items on our own? The department should take steps to augment its technical prowess," he said.

Outbreak of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria is a huge problem in Delhi, especially during monsoons. More than 6,000 dengue cases were reported from the city last year, with eight deaths.