‘Mazhayethum munpe’, a pre-monsoon cleaning drive of the Kozhikode Corporation, is progressing on course despite lack of funds, required manpower and infrastructure.
The Health Department of the Corporation has taken up work on de-silting drains, chopping of shrubs, insecticide-spraying and creating awareness of the need for personal hygiene.
Packed foods
The Corporation has also launched a campaign to stop sale of pan masala, fruits in brine, and other packed foods near schools.
A squad has been formed to seize and destroy these food items, as they are often prepared in unhygienic conditions. Schools have been directed to provide clean drinking water to students and to prevent flooding on its premises. Residents have been told not to drain the sewage from apartments and houses into public drains.
They have been advised to construct waste pits in the compound. Traders have been asked not to use plastic bags thinner than 40 microns.
Janamma Kunhunni, chairperson of the Corporation, has urged the public to cooperate with the endeavour.
Rainwater harvest
The Health standing committee has called upon people to harvest rain water.
“Most houses have their courtyards paved with interlock tiles. As a result, not a drop of water is absorbed into the soil. There should be at least one rain pit in every compound,” she says.
Ms. Kunhunni says eight more dispensaries have been set up under the NUHM and eight more doctors have been appointed at Payyanakkal, Ponnamkode Kunnu, Chelavoor, Chakkumkadavu, Veliyancheri, Kannadikkal and Kundoopparambu.
Medicines for all rain-borne diseases are fully stocked in all the dispensaries. Squads have been formed to tackle the floods besides the inspection squad, she adds.
