Hygiene all Greek to authorities

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 19

Reports regarding the spread of dengue in Nayagaon are giving sleepless nights to those living in the residential quarters of the PGI.

The premier medical institute is located near Nayagoan and the reports have spread panic in the area.

Residents complained that the authorities had not initiated any cleanliness drive despite finding dead birds in the water tank. Thanking the Health Department for highlighting the health hazard, the PGI Resident Welfare Association complained that the authorities were not bothered about the health and hygiene of its employees.

“We have been left to fend for ourselves. Wild grass, choked sewerage and garbage dot the area around the residential quarter in Type III, Type IV and other localities of the PGI. In the evening, one cannot stand outside due to mosquitoes. Nayagaon is adjacent to the PGI. If there are reports of dengue spread, we need to take preventive measures,” complained Subash Chandra, chairman of the Resident Welfare Association.

While showing the algae-ridden water tank, Ravinder Kumar, senior vice-chairman of the association, said, “These water tanks have not been cleaned since ages. And the open ones are a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

A few women alleged that a few years ago, a lane housing several residential quarters was vacated. It was stated that it would be demolished and new quarters would be built, but the houses were not demolished. “Now, wild growth dots the area,” they said.

Prem Kuma, another officer-bearer of the Resident Welfare Association, said, “We try our best to maintain cleanliness around our houses, but the authorities should also know the ground reality.”