NIZAMABAD : A special drive is being launched in the district to keep the environs clean, remove debris and sterilise drain water in urban as well as rural areas in the wake of reports of rapid spread of dengue fever in the State.

To begin with, for two days on October 16 and 17 under the public health programme in every village and habitation "operation cleaning" would be taken up in a big way. Departments of Medical and Health, Panchayat, Rural Water Supply, Malaria and Municipal Affairs would be involved in the drive.

Preventive panels

Taking stock of the situation, District Collector I.S. Sri Naresh asked the authorities concerned to get ready to combat chikungunya and dengue fevers in the event of their outbreak. For taking preventive measures, consultative committees should meet in all villages, he suggested. Mandal and district level authorities would make surprise visits to villages to inspect the implementation of preventive measures. An amount of Rs.80 lakhs was allocated from various departments for the purpose of combating the epidemic.

He appealed to the people to observe any day in a week as a "dry day" to remove water from coolers, flower pots and window roofs which were turning breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Students should be imparted awareness on the importance of sterilisation of drains and observation of "dry day" during prayer time at schools.

District Medical and Health Officer P. Kodandapani said in Timmapur village of Pitlam mandal wherein five persons were suspected to have contracted dengue fever.

Cases reported

Meanwhile, two cases of dengue were reported from a private hospital at Khaleelwadi in the town on Wednesday. Another case was said to have been registered at another private hospital on the Hyderabad road a couple days ago.

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