NEW DELHI, May 1: Delhi residents, particularly in the eastern parts of the metroplis, have reason to view with skepticism health minister Harsh Vardhan's announcement today that work has started on a comprehensive action plan to check mosquito and water-borne diseases in the Capital. East Delhi in particular is teeming with mosquitoes and flies that, residents say, have almost become immune to traditional domestic pesticides.Harsh Vardhan said that disease surveillance teams had been set up and fever cases were being monitored at dispensaries across the city.The government, he said, is trying to ensure that there is no outbreak of malaria, dengue, cholera, jaundice, typhoid and other diseases that plague the city during the summer and monsoon months. Vector-surveillance and mosquito-catching units have also been set up. Records of patients complaining of fever are being maintained at all dispensaries and medical officers at the various units are reporting the cases to the deputy health officer of the concerned zones, he added.Instructions have also been given to all concerned that any case of dengue has to be immediately reported and containment actions taken. For detecting malaria, blood slides of all fever cases are being collected through 251 fever treatment centres. Jhuggi clusters and rural areas are also under active surveillance of medical officers.To prevent water-borne diseases, Harsh Vardhan has assured that chlorinated water will be supplied. He added that to supply potable water to all residents, 500 additional vehicles will be used. Also, six laboratories at various water treatment plants will be testing samples at every stage.The minister has urged residents to help in ensuring that the scheme is a success. Resident Welfare Associations, mahila mandals and private health institutions have been roped in to make the programme more effective.Residents have been warned that creating ``mosquitogenic'' conditions was an offence under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi bye-laws. But with many uncovered drains across MCD-covered areas, it remains to be seen whether the government will tackle the problem at its source.DOs and DON'TsMaintain personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.Don't consume cut fruit or food exposed to dust and flies.Clean the cooler atleast once a week.Do not drink water from shallow hand pumps.Use water supplied by local bodies or treat your water with chlorine tablets. The tablets are available free of cost at any dispensary.Do not allow accumulation of water in and around your surroundings.Be cautious of ice being sold by vendors.Use mosquito nets and repellents.
