Nagpur: Anticipating a spike in vector-borne diseases during the monsoon, Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) medical health department has proposed deploying 1,112 ASHA workers for a citywide door-to-door mosquito larvae survey to strengthen surveillance against dengue, chikungunya and other water-borne illnesses.The proposal, which will come up before Standing Committee on Aug 11, seeks approval for an expenditure of Rs33.36 lakh to engage ASHA workers during August and September. Each worker will receive an honorarium of Rs1,500 per month for the two-month exercise.According to the proposal, the city’s expanding limits, shortage of field staff and increasing public complaints have made it difficult for the health department to carry out timely surveillance. The department has also cited the heightened risk of dengue, chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases during the ongoing monsoon as the reason for scaling up preventive measures.Under the plan, every ASHA worker will survey around 500 households each month, covering 50 to 75 houses daily, to identify mosquito breeding sources and spread awareness on preventive measures. Their work will be monitored daily by health supervisors and inspectors to ensure effective implementation.NMC has been relying on ASHA workers for larval surveillance in previous monsoons as well. Officials believe their extensive community outreach helps detect breeding sites early and improves public participation in eliminating stagnant water from residential areas.The proposal is among several items listed for Standing Committee meeting, where members are also expected to deliberate on road infrastructure projects, contractual appointments and enforcement-related matters. If approved, the survey will begin immediately to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases during the peak monsoon season.OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE STANDING PanelRs1.66 crore: Approval for cement concrete road from Krishna Marketing to NMC Bus Charging Station and Shwetal Steel to Hindustan Vidyalaya in Prabhag 23Rs34.82 lakh: Approval for construction of a cement concrete road in Gopal Nagar, Ward 24Rs27.94 lakh: Tender approval for laying a stormwater drain at Neelkamal Nagar in Ward 2959 security assistants: Renewal of contracts of retired military personnel deployed with the nuisance detection squad; estimated monthly expenditure Rs17.99 lakh60 security guards: Extension of deployment for anti-encroachment drives for another 45 days or more; estimated cost Rs25 lakhTransport department: Extension of contractual Operations Manager’s tenure by 11 months to support expansion of Aapli Bus services and induction of electric busesCommittee rooms renovation: Renovation of rooms in the old administrative building for newly elected public representatives and special committees
