In view of the rising number of malaria cases reported from parts of the city, especially coastal areas, the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation has intensified surveillance and is taking steps to stop mosquito breeding.
As part of the initiative, officials of the health wing of the corporation on Saturday swept into the Puthiyappa and Vellayil harbours and upturned nearly 100 fishing boats. The boats abandoned at the harbour were found to have water accumulated inside them, making them safe breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “We had issued a notice to the harbour authorities, directing them to take action against owners of the boats. In response, the authorities asked the corporation to do the needful,” said corporation health officer R.S. Gopakumar.
Puthiyappa, Vellayil top list
The boats, around 80 in Puthiyappa and 15 in Vellayil, were upturned using JCBs and with the help of harbour labourers. Puthiyappa and Vellayil have recorded the highest numbers of malaria cases this season.
Meanwhile, the corporation also plans to initiate action against those who have abandoned fish baskets in the harbour. “A notice will be issued for removing them within 48 hours. They will be confiscated after the stipulated time and auctioned,” Dr. Gopakumar added.
