MBMC stops fogging over health concerns

According to figures released by the MBMC’s health department of the MBMC, 556 patients suffering from dengue and 96 suffering from malaria have been detected.

Three people succumbed to dengue and one to malaria in the past three months, said the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC). As many as 652 such cases have been detected in the same period.

Rakesh Bhatt, 40, Harshita Anchal, 32 and Saroj Raghav, 62 succumbed to dengue while Arjunsingh Rajput,30 succumbed to malaria.

According to figures released by the MBMC’s health department of the MBMC, 556 patients suffering from dengue and 96 suffering from malaria have been detected.

Dr Asif Shaikh, Chairman, divisional committee and former leader of the opposition in the MBMC blamed poor awareness programs for the outbreak and said the situation could escalate if serious and prompt steps are not taken.

Thwarting mandatory state guidelines, the MBMC has stopped the practice of fogging in the twin cities without approval from the state. The civic body’s rationale is that asthma and other related diseases will rise due to fogging,said Dr Shaikh. The cities have not been fogged for the past three years.

The MBMC instead sprays diluted chemicals in drains, which has doubled number of dengue and malaria cases, he added. Rs 75crore has been spent on maintaining cleanliness and Rs2 crore has been spent to buy chemicals, which have proven to be ineffective in controlling dengue and malaria, he said.

Officials from the MBMC’s health department said August,September and October have been declared as “malaria months”. “We will be increase our efforts to control the spread of the deadly diseases,” said officials. Naresh Geete, Commissioner, MBMC did not respond to any of our messages and calls.