Plans to involve kids, RWAs to curb mosquitos

New Delhi: Stressing on the importance of the role of schoolchildren and RWAs in prevention of mosquito breeding, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday expressed confidence that Delhiites can be able to check dengue and chikungunya.

He said that by giving 10 minutes for an “inspection” to check mosquito  breeding by throwing away stagnant water in their houses and localities, schoolchildren, women and resident welfare associations (RWAs) can put an effective check on dengue and chikungunya. 

“I believe if two crore Delhiites campaign against mosquito breeding then it prove to be a successful similar to odd-even scheme against pollution,” Mr Kejriwal said in a training and media campaign programme held by the health department. The event was to create awareness against vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and swine flu. Last week, the death of a 12-year-old boy due to dengue was reported from Delhi. According to official figures, 950 dengue, 473 malaria, and 339 chikungunya cases have been reported in the capital. These also include people who had come for treatment to Delhi. The government has this year launched a campaign focusing on the proactive role of people in preventing mosquito breeding in their houses and neighbourhoods.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said the dengue and chikungunya-causing mosquito has a flight range of 200 metres. He called upon the people to check mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water. Two short films on the role of schoolchildren and RWAs in checking mosquito breeding were also shown. In the next two-three days, both these films will be available at the schools and RWAs, Mr Sisodia said.