No 'solution' in sight to end menace

The officials and elected representatives have shown utter negligence to take proper preventive measures to check the spread of dengue in the district.

The lack of chemicals, required to control the spread of dengue causing mosquitoes, is worsened the situation all over the district.

The inadequate supply of chemicals to local bodies points at the lack of preparedness on the part of the officials.

The officials have written letters to Taluk Panchayats to purchase bleaching power “only in required quantities” to control the disease, just two days ago.

Mosquito meance
Tumakuru Taluk Panchayat executive officer Dr Naganna said, “We had placed a demand for 1,950 litres of chemicals to control the mosquito meance.

“But we have received only 15 litres. The taluk has 66,000 families. We need at least 165 litres of Pyrethrum solution to spray in all villages one time. But what have received is too little. What can we do with this?”

He said BTI chemical powder and Malathion solution have also not been provided. Pavgad taluk health officer Dr Siddeshwar said the taluk requires 25 Pyrethrum solution.

But it has received only five litres of the pest control solution. It is not used due to lack of fogging machines, he added.

Kunigal taluk health officer Dr Shantala said Pyrethrum solution has been supplied to only 30 villages where dengue cases have come to light.  So far, there is no mention of providing BTI powder, Abate or any other supplies, she added.