Vibha SharmaNew Delhi: Taking note of increasingly erratic rainfall patterns in the capital this year, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has advanced its vector-control measures this year. On Friday, it launched an awareness campaign against vector-borne diseases as well as fogging operations. Traditionally, large-scale fogging and awareness drives begin after the onset of the monsoon.Civic officials said the early launch was aimed at curbing mosquito breeding and preventing outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.Mayor Pravesh Wahi flagged off the campaign on Friday. He said that 10 autorickshaws had been deployed in each zone and would travel through neighbourhoods spreading awareness messages on preventing mosquito-borne diseases. “The autorickshaws are fitted with banners displaying preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases. These are also equipped with public-address systems through which messages on dengue and malaria prevention will be broadcast,” said Wahi.In addition, MCD’s domestic breeding checkers (DBCs) will continue door-to-door inspections while also educating residents about preventive measures. Street plays and distribution of informational pamphlets will also form part of the campaign.The mayor appealed to residents to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes and ensure that water does not remain stagnant for more than four days in open containers, tyres and other objects kept on rooftops or premises.According to MCD’s latest weekly vector-borne disease report, Delhi has recorded 162 dengue cases so far this year. MCD teams have conducted more than 8.3 lakh house visits in a single week to check for mosquito breeding.
