Minister Agnimitra Paul during the campaign at Paikpara
Kolkata: State urban development & municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday led a dengue awareness campaign in Paikpara’s Lockgate footbridge area under Kolkata Municipal Corporation ward number 6, which has been identified as a dengue hotspot. The ward has recorded the highest number of dengue cases (54) within KMC area this year so far. Paul said the city had recorded 585 dengue cases up to this point last year, compared to 539 cases so far this year, emphasising that the ultimate goal was to bring this number down to zero.
I will request the locals to keep the ward clean as the highest number of dengue cases have been reported from this ward,” Paul said.
“There has been 8% less dengue cases in the city so far but there is nothing to be content with this as the highest number of cases has been reported in this ward,” she said. “We are repeatedly urging you to become aware and keep your localities clean.
Paul urged residents to regularly check flower pots, rooftops and balconies for accumulated stagnant water so that it is cleaned at the earliest to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.
“Railings will be installed along the pavement stretch to prevent unauthorised parking,” she added. “There are a number of old factory units here. There is garbage dumped in the middle of buildings. The minister also advised anyone experiencing a fever to get tested immediately rather than delaying medical care. The minister also reiterated the govt’s ongoing stance to keep footpaths free from encroachment and unauthorised parking to ensure uninterrupted pedestrian movement.
Today, I have asked my officers to clean up, but next we will impose a hefty penalty,” the minister added.