The district administration, Kozhikode City Corporation, and the district panchayat will join hands to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases ahead of the onset of monsoon. This was decided at a meeting convened by District Collector U.V. Jose here on Thursday.
Mayor Thottathil Raveendran, who was present at the meeting, stressed the need for close coordination between elected representatives, residents and officials in the cleanliness drive.
District Medical Officer (in-charge) Asha Devi pointed out that the number of cases of communicable diseases such as dengue fever had gone up this year. As many as 73,277 fever cases had been reported till May 16. Three people died of suspected dengue fever. Three people died of H1N1 (influenza) and 43 cases had been reported. The administration is planning to launch the cleanliness drive ahead of the onset of monsoon. A meeting would be held at 3 p.m. at Nalanda Auditorium on May 20 and at 10 a.m. at Tagore Centenary Hall on May 22 to discuss the issue. People from all walks of life would be invited.
Corporation authorities said that stagnant water sources, the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and garbage dumps, would be cleaned ahead of the monsoon. Volunteers of the National Service Scheme, and National Cadet Corps and Student Police Cadets would be roped in for the purpose.
