BBMP set to tackle vector-borne diseases

BANGALORE: Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) blames Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for outbreaks of  vector borne diseases in the City. BBMP claims that BWSSB does not supply water regularly, hence people tend to fill water in utensils, which helps mosquitoes to breed leading to outbreaks of vector-borne disease.    However, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike claims it is all set to tackle the outbreak of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya. According to official sources from BBMP, Palike is gearing up for mosquito control programmes, including fogging and spraying. “We have three mosquito control gangmen for every ward. There is one power mounted sprayer for every assembly constituency,” sources said.When contacted, BBMP Chief Health Officer Dr Manjula said, “Had BWSSB supplied water on a regular basis, this situation would not have arisen. People store water in the containers, fearing  irregular water supply from BWSSB. Water storage is ideal for mosquito to breed.” Further, Dr Manjula said that they are appealing to the public to cover water containers properly. “We are going to print pamphlets and distribute them among public to bring awareness,” she said.Adding to Dr Manjula’s view, a senior official from BBMP health department said that water should not be stored for more than three days. “Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that breeds in fresh water and bites during daytime. BWSSB should take responsibility and supply water atleast three to four times a week,” official said.