BMC plans fogging in 2,000 schools
Mihika Basu
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to conduct a major fogging drive in about 2000 schools. At least 8 lakh children study in these schools and they are invariably exposed to diseases like dengue and chikunguniya.
“Children are most susceptible to diseases. At a time when the country is suffering from an onslaught of diseases, this step becomes essential,” said BMC Education Committee Chairman Mangesh Satamkar.
Besides fogging, the BMC plans to clean the existing water tanks in the schools across the city and instal water purifiers in them. A proposal regarding this has been submitted by the education committee.
The idea for the clean-up drive, which will be conducted both in Municipal and private schools, was first mooted at a BMC education committee meeting two months back. To be extended to the neighbouring premises, the initiative will give particular attention to the badly-maintained lavatories in the schools.
Twenty-four pest control officers (PCOs) from each ward will be in charge of the schools located within their zones, ranging anything between 30 to 60. The PCOs have been instructed to prepare a chart and a schedule for “systematic and successful implementation” of the drive.
The PCOs will also be held accountable and the BMC will take action if they find any lapses on their part.
The corporation every year allots a sum of Rs 60-65 lakh to each of the 24 wards for cleaning purposes. However, the fogging drive will require more manpower, insecticides and diesel. Consequently, informed the BMC, an additional sum of Rs 30-40 lakh approximately will be required for each ward.
“I have already written to the Mayor to get a sanction on the funds needed for the provisions to be made for the programme,” added Satamkar. And the BMC which plans to start the drive in the next 2 to 3 days is confident of the mayor’s approval.
The project will be completed before the schools reopen on November 4.
“We don’t want the children to be exposed to any harmful chemicals. That’s why we want to finish the fogging during the Diwali holidays,” emphasised Satamkar.
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