ALAPPUZHA: Minister for Cooperation G. Sudhakaran has said that local bodies in the State have failed to execute sanitation work properly during the last few years, and that is one of the reasons for the repeated outbreak of epidemics.

He was speaking after inaugurating a function organised by the All-Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants' Association here on Thursday for donating materials for eradicating mosquitoes, bought by it at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh, to local bodies.

Mr. Sudhakaran said the local bodies should introspect on whether they had used their powers judiciously in preventing pollution.

He said leaving agricultural land fallow was leading to breeding of mosquitoes. Stagnant water in uncultivated paddy fields and shallow lands aided this, and revival of agriculture was the solution for keeping these areas clean.

Mr. Sudhakaran said there was no room for any debate on epidemic deaths, as deaths were a reality. Scientists and other professionals might have their opinions. But they should consider the practical situations arising out of the deaths of a number of people.

He said there was no objection to the Government providing financial aid to the kin of those who died even if the deaths were caused by diseases other than chikungunya. There was a provision to provide aid to families in crisis following epidemics.

The Minister said the Cabinet had given orders to the police to take part in cleaning activities. Cooperative institutions had been asked to spend not less than Rs. 5,000 in their areas for cleaning.

He said a large number of those who died were poor coir workers. The Coir Workers' Welfare Fund Board had submitted a proposal estimated at Rs. 35 lakh to provide aid to the kin of its members who died. Association's president P.T. Cheriyan Palathra presided over the function.

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