Graveyards become grounds for dengue larvae

Wild bushes and weed cover most cemeteries in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI:

Graveyards in Rawalpindi have become the epicentre of the spread of dengue larvae after the growth of wild bushes and weeds following the recent monsoon rains.

The wild growth of weeds and plants in the district’s 55 cemeteries continues to provide sanctuary to the mosquito larvae.

After the latest monsoon rains, weeds and bushes have grown up to five feet in many cemeteries, also hiding most of the graves as the district administration has failed to maintain the upkeep of graveyards.

Because of the improper drainage system, rainwater is also stagnant in cemeteries, proving the ideal breeding ground for the growth of mosquitoes.

The Metropolitan Municipal Corporation had initially allocated Rs25 million to remove weeds and bushes from cemeteries. Later, it was decided to award a contract to the private sector to carry out the task.

However, a month has passed, but the municipal corporation has neither awarded the contract nor has it started cutting the plants.

Health experts say the growth of weeds, plants, and herbs has made cemeteries a breeding place for dengue mosquitoes.

The increase has also led to an influx of sheep and goats to cemeteries. Many goats and sheep graze in graveyards all day long.

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This wild growth in graveyards has also attracted snakes, mongooses, scorpions, and enormous rats. Goats dying from snake bites are also on the rise in cemeteries in Kahuta, Kalar Syedan, and Gujar Khan.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary Sheikh Rashid Shafiq told The Express Tribune that the recent monsoon rains have led to a proliferation of wild plants in cemeteries.

He said that the Metropolitan Municipal Corporation, cantonment boards, and tehsil councils have been directed to clear weeds and overgrown bushes from all cemeteries under their respective jurisdictions.

"The cutting of herbs and wild plants is expected to be completed by the end of this month,” he said.

He said that anti-dengue teams have also been ordered to immediately clear the stagnant water in cemeteries across the district.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2021.