BMC to revive dengue training programme

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to train citizens living in areas that have reported the highest number of dengue cases to detect mosquito-breeding

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to train citizens living in areas that have reported the highest number of dengue cases to detect mosquito-breeding spots. The civic body had taken up a similar initiative, covering the entire city, last year, but had failed to find takers.

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The BMC officials said they have identified 182 high-risk areas across the city and the training will start from next week. Three wards -- C, E and G (South) -- in south Mumbai have the maximum number of mosquito-breeding sites. “Last year, the training programme was open to all citizens, but the participation was disappointing,” said an officer from the BMC. “So this year we will attend to only those areas where such cases are high.”

Of the 17,542 appeals send to various housing societies last year, only 4,363 residents were willing to participate. “We had started the training in January last year. By the time the monsoon arrived, people had lost interest. This year, we have decided to start the training towards the end of May,” said a BMC official.

The city, however, has already recorded 99 cases of dengue and 1,418 cases of malaria between January and May 2016. “Vectorborne diseases are reported throughout the year. People have to be vigilant and not let allow breeding sites at home. No dengue and malaria related deaths have been reported so far,” said Dr Minnie Khetrapal, head of BMC’s epidemiology cell. The civic officials said that just like last year, the training will include a two-hour powerpoint presentation, followed by a demonstration for possible breeding spots such as open drums, old tyres, tarpaulin sheets in building compounds and potted plants, fish tanks and water containers inside houses.