With the count of dengue cases reaching 575 till Thursday, the city residents have questioned the health department and municipal corporation’s fogging schedule, released on October 18, as just an eye wash. They say that none of the officials are conducting fogging in the areas according to the schedule.
Out of 575, around 500 cases of dengue have been reported this month only. However, 16 fresh cases of chikungunya were reported on Friday, which increased its count to 146.
The mail forwarded by the health department reported the fogging schedule from October 10 to November 20, but when HT contacted residents from various city localities, they lamented that fogging has not been conducted in their areas. The residents even said that MC officials are conducting fogging in the areas with residences of influential people only.
According to the fogging schedule, on October 22 the staff of MC health wing officials had done fogging in Dugri, on October 24 in Chet Singh Nagar and on October 27 in Kotmangal Singh. But, the residents of these areas say that no team has conducted fogging in their area and the schedule is just on paper.
Daljit Singh, who runs a photography shop in Kotmangal Singh said, “In our area no one has visited to conduct fogging and several residents here are suffering from either dengue or chikungunya. There is a need to conduct fogging in our area after every 15 days, as more people are suffering from fever and other diseases. The officials are waiting for Diwali so that when people burst crackers, mosquitoes will perish and there will be no need for fogging.”
{{/usCountry}}Daljit Singh, who runs a photography shop in Kotmangal Singh said, “In our area no one has visited to conduct fogging and several residents here are suffering from either dengue or chikungunya. There is a need to conduct fogging in our area after every 15 days, as more people are suffering from fever and other diseases. The officials are waiting for Diwali so that when people burst crackers, mosquitoes will perish and there will be no need for fogging.”
{{/usCountry}}Ramanpreet Kaur, a resident of Dugri, said, “Forget fogging in our area, the authorities have not been able to construct the main road from where they will conduct fogging. Two of my friends who are also residing in the same area are suffering from dengue and the authorities are busy releasing the schedule only.
When contacted, MC commissioner, Ghanshyam Thori, said, “I will direct the health officer to do the needful and ensure future compliance.”
Meanwhile, authorities pat their back
In a meeting conducted under the chairmanship of MC commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, MC officials claimed that due to regular fogging, less number of dengue cases have been reported. Even the health department states there are fewer dengue cases reported this year as compared to last year.