Cosmetic changes not enough

pathetic environment

Summer is not far away and malignancy is in the air. The scorching heat brings with it diseases which can spread and acquire epidemic proportions if the surroundings are unclean and dirty. Diseases like gastroenteritis, dengue, malaria and jaundice thrive in unclean settings.

What is the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) doing to prevent the onset and spread of epidemic diseases? Do people think the BBMP is doing enough to prevent the spread of diseases?

Metrolife interacts with the officials of the BBMP, a few doctors in the City and ordinary people to understand the precautions required to stay away from these diseases.

The BBMP has done little to clean the City to stop mosquito breeding. Several cases of dengue have been reported in the City. M Lakshminarayana, commissioner, BBMP, says that the BBMP has begun implementing measures to prevent and contain mosquito breeding and efforts are on to clear garbage dumps on a regular basis.

“What is required is spraying of medicines in places where there is stagnant water and possible areas where mosquitos could breed. We are now concentrating on low-lying areas. But we require a lot of manpower for this job which we don’t have at the moment,” explains Lakshminarayana. He further states that empty and used coconut shells must not be discarded because they serve as the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“We are also making provisions to collect coconut shells and reuse them,” he adds.  Joint Commissioner (Mahadevapura Zone), BBMP, KN Devaraj says that the authorities have started work such as fogging and spraying, especially in residential areas.

“The BBMP has taken up the cleaning of stagnant drains in residential areas. We have also directed vendors to display cut fruits and vegetables in glass enclosures rather than leave them open,” says Devaraj.
 Taking precaution is the best way to prevent contraction of diseases.

Dr Purnima Parthasarathy, senior consultant, infectious diseases, Apollo Hospitals, says that she always sees increased cases of gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and cholera during summer.

“People must refrain from eating cut fruits from open carts and watch out when drinking juices and eating pani puri, for the water used in them could be contaminated. And people must clear stagnant water in pots, tyres and buckets as they serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos,” says Dr Purnima.

Bangaloreans think that the City needs to be free of garbage dumps and the drains are almost always clogged with filth. Even those who come to the City find the stench from garbage dumps unbearable. Preeti Prabhu, who plans to relocate to Bangalore, decided to spend a few days here to get a feel of the City. Preeti says, “Bangalore is supposed to be the IT mecca but what struck me first were the heaps of uncleared garbage, dirty roads and dust. Efforts should be made to clean up the City.”

Nagaraja Pani, a programme manager with Narayana Hrudayala, says, “What is going on now is just a cosmetic exercise to clean up the City but what we need are sustainable preventive measures that will not only render the City clean but prevent the onset of diseases. The government should also conduct awareness campaigns on waste management.”

Christina, a professional and a resident of Domlur, thinks, “People throw waste at any available space. It is best to take your own precautions to prevent diseases rather than depend on the government.” Priya, another resident of the City, concludes, “Nothing will change unless people work hand in hand with the government for proper waste disposal and clearing stagnant drains, both of which trigger mosquito breeding.”