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| Tuesday,
July 9, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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Stagnant water poses malaria threat BITING FACTS * Situation in city is unhealthy, with stagnant water in various sectors. *
If the authorities fail to act on time, larvae get adequate “breeding water” to thrive. *
The increasing population of mosquitoes can lead to simultaneous increase in the cases of malaria. *
Malaria is accompanied with high fever and shivering. Take the patient to the doctor, do not indulge in self-medication Chandigarh, July 8 Negligence on part of the authorities is evident if you look at the accumulated rain water — along road side, in shallow pits or deep ditches. Open drains and nullahs are also there to make the matters worse. “If you look closely, you will see hundreds of mosquitoes hovering over stagnant water,” says Rajinder Gupta, a businessman, putting up in Sector 23. “The larvae breed silently, while the authorities sleep over the matter or carry out disease prevention programmes for the benefit of the residents — only on paper”. “Bad” is how the residents staying in the posh northern sectors and not-so-posh southern ones are describing the situation. To confirm their claims, a team of Chandigarh Tribune carried out a survey of the city. The result: Positive. The residents were not exaggerating, the situation seems to be actually “unhealthy”. Even though rain washed the city almost two days back, accumulated water could be seen at many spots in Sectors 47, 48, 49, 29, 30 and 20. Along the road sides, particularly on unmetalled roads, the depressions were all filled with filthy water. Over it, the mosquitoes could be seen taking off before hovering over the area as if to carry out an arial survey. The situation was worse in Sector 21. Pits in the ground, in front of the shops, where the motor-mechanics were once carrying out their business, were all filled up, providing adequate breeding water for the larvae to thrive and grow up into healthy mosquitoes. In some of the VIP sectors, the situation was almost similar. Even in Sector 11 and 10 accumulated water was not a rare sight. As expected, colonies in the city presented worse picture. Standing next to the stagnant water was in colony Number 5 almost impossible and within minutes mosquito bites forced the Chandigarh Tribune team to leave the spot. Health wing officials say preventive steps during the monsoons are essential. “Every year, the staff is supposed to ensure the covering of stagnant water with oil,” says an official. “Oil being lighter than water forms a layer on the surface preventing the larvae from breeding”. Such steps, the official claims, have been taken in various parts of the city. “Time and again, out staff members visit the spot to ensure the adoption of effective measures. As it rains every now and then, it becomes impossible to act immediately, but we are doing our best,” he said. The failure on part of the authorities to take effective steps can, according to doctors, lead to malaria. “The malady can be identified if the patient suffers from high fever and shivers,” says a doctor at the PGI. “In such a situation, the patient should be immediately taken to a doctor instead of indulging in self
medication”. |
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Directions
for carbonated drink manufactures Chandigarh, July 8 Intensifying its campaign against adulteration in food articles, the authorities challaned 62 vendors, during the past one week for selling items that had been exposed to flies and dust. “As a precautionary measure in view of the onset of monsoons, when the chances of outbreak of water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice and cholera are very high, we have advised the public to avoid taking cut and uncovered fruit, sugarcane juice, lemon water and jal jeera, which are potential sources of such diseases,” stated, Dr Rameshwar Chander, Director Health Services-cum-Food and Health Authority, Chandigarh Administration. He said the carbonated water manufacturers and sellers had been asked to obtain requisite license as provided under Rule 50 of the PFA Rules, framed under the PFA Act. The manufacturers of “banta” type carbonated water had also been directed to get their employees medically examined from competent authority and maintain all records. They had been asked to comply with the provisions under Rule 32 of the PFA Rules, relating to label declaration. Directing the vendors selling carbonated and sweetened water, to ensure that it is free from all kinds of bacteria, the authorities have given them a period of 10 days, to comply, failing which stringent action would be taken against them. The vendors selling carbonated water have been cautioned against using crude salt with dust, adulterated spices and dirty knives. The Food and Health Authority has during the past two months intensified its campaign against adulteration in food items as a number of raids have been conducted on ice cream factories, leading to closure of four units, and some masala making units. |
Motor cycle expedition
from July 15 Chandigarh, July 8 Briefing newspersons, Mr Prithvi Nijhowne, president of the club, said this being a once in a lifetime journey of serious exploration, discovery, adventure, learning and fun that would take participants from Chandigarh to Kulu and Manali and then to Manali-Leh trade route, which traverses some of the most remote, awe inspiring and stunningly beautiful regions. Crossing the Rohtang Pass, the riders will explore Lahaul and then cross range after awesome range of the massive Greater Himalayas, Zanskar and Ladakh mountains and some of the world’s highest passes. The expedition will also explore the historic Indus Valley and visit important monasteries along its course such as Alchi, Lekir, Shey, Thiksey and world famous Hemis. It will culminate at Khardung-la. Mr Nijhowne said the participants include both men and women motorcyclists and motorists from all over India with age groups varying from 19 to 59. The organisers claimed that all the safety and medical requirements had been completed. As many as 100 participants are expecting to participate.
Adventure association The Chandigarh Adventure Association is once again gearing up this year for a journey to Khardung-la, the highest motorable pass of the world. This two-wheeler adventure will be organised by the association and will hoist the National Flag on August 15 at Kibber. The journey itself will be a treat for adventure lover, travellers and naturalist. The unique route to Kibber will journey through Chail, Hatu Peak, Sangla Valley and challenging Kunzum and Rohtang Pass and the difficult Maling Nala. Bikers will visit the world famous Chandratal Lake, known as lake of moon. They will also cover the holy and historical Buddhist monasteries of Tabo, Nako, Dhankar and Ki. The participants may contact Mr Kulbir Singh Gaba, president, of the association, at Phone 777582.
Shooting camp The Zonal Rifle Shooting Academy will hold shooting camp at the Sector 25 shooting range from July 18 to 27. The coaching camp will be held on the pattern of national coaching camps with special emphasis on latest techniques in shooting. Renowned coaches like Sanjay Chakarvorty of Mumbai and Lieut-Col J.S. Dhillon will coach shooters. According to Mr Parminder Singh, general secretary of the academy, the shooters from the region are expected to attend the camp.
Handball meet Coaching Centre-23 beat Coaching centre 21 (13-11), while Coaching Centre-42 outplayed DAV School Club Team B (25-13) in the 17th Chandigarh Sub-Junior State Handball Championships played at DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, here on
Monday. |
Deadlock over probe into recruitment scam Chandigarh, July 8 The committee headed by the leader of the Congress in the Municipal Corporation, Mr. Subhash Chawla, postponed the meeting after the corporation showed its inability to provide further documents in a letter. As the member of the committee and Municipal Corporation officials differ on the supply of documents, the committee is unlikely to conclude its findings till the scheduled date that is July 25. The House had discussed the matter at its last meeting on the request of the BJP Councillor, Mr Gian Chand Gupta. The corporation is already learnt to have supplied around 5000 pages of copies to members of the committee. |
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Sukhi on Board of Directors Chandigarh, July 8 The other members of the administrative committee are: Mr Sewa Singh Johal, Mr Gurmeet Singh, Mr Gurnam Singh and Mr Surinder Singh. The purchase committee will have Mr Vijay Rana , Mr D.K. Talwar, Mr Surinder Singh and Mr Sewa Singh Johal. |
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