Dengue larvae found in ‘cleared’ areas

A third party survey found dengue larvae in areas that had been declared ‘clear’ by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).

The lapse in dengue larvae elimination has disclosed the lax attitude of the officials concerned which could enhance the threat of the epidemic in the city.

Civil Defence Department (CDD) conducted surveys in different areas of the garrison city to ascertain the claims of dengue larvae culling operation conducted by the RDA and health department teams. However, contrary to the claims, CDD teams recovered mosquito larvae in huge quantities.

The survey was carried out in areas including Dhok Manshi, Dhaman Syedan, Chak Jalal Din, Christian Colony, Talsa Road, Lalazar, Dheri Hasanabad and Khanna Dak. Interestingly, the health department officials were accompanying the CDD teams during the survey too.

Earlier, RDA and District health department had declared these areas clear after surveillance.

The report was forwarded to the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anwarul Haq who expressed displeasure on false reporting by RDA and health department.

These areas may become new hotspots for the mosquito-borne virus if precautionary steps were not taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2020.