Dhaka's two city corporations start special mosquito control drive
Dhaka's two city corporations have launched special anti-mosquito drives to provide city dwellers relief from the growing mosquito menace.
Inaugurating a month-long special cleanliness campaign today in Wards 71 and 72, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam said the initiative aims to intensify mosquito control efforts across Dhaka South.
"From today, we have begun a month-long special cleanliness and crash programme to control mosquitoes. To ensure transparency, a four-tier monitoring system has been put in place – at the ward level, senior officials' level, chief executive officer or secretary level, and the administrator level," he said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The administrator said that 10 out of Dhaka South's 75 wards have been identified as high-risk areas based on mosquito prevalence.
He warned that mobile courts would be conducted if privately owned ponds are not properly maintained, urging citizens to remain vigilant, saying no initiative can succeed without public cooperation. He stressed the need to realise the prime minister's vision of a "Clean City, Green City".
He added that local imams would be engaged to raise public awareness alongside announcements through loudspeakers. He also called on local members of parliament and political leaders to participate in the public service initiative.
The drive, which began at 9am, involved around 250 workers from Dhaka South's waste management and health departments. They cleaned canals, drains, sewers and footpaths and applied mosquito control chemicals.
Dhaka North has also undertaken a mosquito control programme. Its Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan said the corporation has formed a special monitoring cell to implement a targeted mosquito control plan.
"Residents will soon see the benefits of these activities," he told journalists this afternoon after visiting the Korail slum.
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, who accompanied the administrator during the visit, said water bodies and footpaths in the area are being inspected, and steps will gradually be taken to ensure mosquito-free environments and encroachment-free footpaths.
He also said data collection is underway in the Korail area for issuing family cards. Eligible residents will receive the cards free of charge and funds will be transferred directly to their accounts.
The state minister also urged residents not to pay bribes to obtain the cards.
