The Hindu , in association with the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC), on Thursday launched a public awareness campaign to free the city from the mosquito menace.
An innovative promotional campaign was kick-started with a colourful rally taken out on the Lakshmipuram Main Road by students of municipal and corporate schools, civic officials, corporators and members of the civic society, which drew the attention of the passers-by.
The campaign also involved distribution of posters and pamphlets listing the steps required to get rid of mosquito larvae and its breeding places. The public address system was used to air the do's and don'ts to help eradicate mosquitoes.
Deputy Mayor Sk. Mohammad Ghouse, who flagged off the rally after garlanding Mother Teresa statue, lauded the decision of The Hindu for associating itself with the GMC, which would pave the way for greater public participation in the drive against mosquitoes.
Mr. Ghouse said that tropical countries like India were most affected by the menace and called upon the residents to keep their surroundings clean and dry in view of the rainy season.
Breeding places
Regional General Manager of The Hindu , Vijayawada, K. Chandrasekharan, suggested elimination of breeding places to the GMC.
The corporation should also consider levying penalty on those littering stagnant water bodies and mopping of overhead water tanks, septic tanks, swamps etc.
Medical facilities should be augmented during monsoons, he felt.
Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshminarayana listed the steps taken by the GMC in de-silting canals, ensuring free flow of rainwater and a scientific disposal of solid waste. Corporator M. Rajesh also thanked The Hindu for taking up the initiative.
GMC Assistant Commissioner P. Dhanunjaya, Municipal Health Officer P. Rama Rao, biologist P.V. Narasimha Rao, sanitary inspectors K. Rama Raju and Chandrasekhar, Municipal Education Officer P. Mohan Rao and nodal officers P. Jesu Das and D. Tirupati Reddy and Rate Payers' Association president Parandhamayya were also present.
Students of S.R. Municipal Oriental School, Patibandla Seetharamaiah High School, SCMPC High School, Stambalagaruvu, Montessori Public School, Bhashyam Public School, Indian Springs and KSR School of Nursing took part in the rally, which ended at NTR Municipal Stadium.
