Rising dengue cases: Karnataka govt. issues directive to gram panchayats to implement protocols
Bengaluru, July 8 (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday issued a directive mandating all gram panchayats to implement protocols to manage dengue cases, with specific emphasis on ensuring regular cleaning of water storage tanks, open reservoirs, and public toilets to maintain sanitation standards.
Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge advised gram panchayats to establish "Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees" to actively promote dengue control initiatives.
He also directed them to adopt precautionary measures promptly.
As per health department data, Karnataka has till last evening recorded 7,165 dengue positive cases since January this year, with areas coming under the city civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), accounting for the largest at 1,988.
On Sunday, the State reported 159 fresh dengue infection cases, including 80 from BBMP areas.
In an effort to curb the spread of dengue in rural areas and effectively control dengue cases, several urgent measures have been outlined by the Minister, as per which the gram panchayats are instructed to: conduct weekly sanitation checks and ensure the proper cleaning of water storage tanks, open reservoirs, and public toilets to prevent water stagnation; and ensure swift and safe drainage of rainwater to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
And also maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in homes, shops, hotels, commercial complexes, public spaces, and vacant lands to prevent long-term water accumulation and ensure proper waste management practices, his office said in a release.
Kharge also stressed the importance of maintaining operational control valves in water supply systems to prevent water stagnation and control mosquito breeding.
"Gram panchayats are advised to strictly adhere to these guidelines to prevent the spread of dengue fever in rural areas. It is recommended to ensure existing wells and water supply systems are equipped with proper control valves to prevent mosquito breeding and ensure adequate water flow," the directive said.
To effectively manage dengue cases, it is imperative that gram panchayats conduct proper maintenance of wells and water supply systems to prevent water stagnation and minimise mosquito breeding, it was stated.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of raising awareness through health education programmes organised by gram panchayats, involving community health volunteers, women's self-help groups, and local educational institutions to educate residents on dengue control measures.
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Rupee falls 32 paise to all-time low of 95.20 against US dollar
Mumbai, Apr 30 (PTI): The rupee depreciated 32 paise to an all-time low of 95.20 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, weighed down by elevated Brent crude oil prices, hovering around USD 122 per barrel, and strong American currency.
Forex traders said the USD/INR pair may see further downside, as rising crude oil prices are likely to sharply impact India's import costs, while concerns over potential wider conflict in West Asia are fuelling investor anxiety.
Meanwhile, the US dollar added to gains after the US FED Reserve kept rates unchanged. Safe-haven demand was also boosted by another diplomatic setback between Washington and Tehran.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.01 against the US dollar, then lost some ground and touched an all-time low of 95.20 against the US dollar in initial trade, registering a fall of 32 paise over its previous close.
On Wednesday, the rupee depreciated 20 paise to close at an all-time low of 94.88 against the US dollar.
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"The main effect on the rupee has been from the rising oil prices, which touched USD 120 per barrel and looked headed for further upside as the US continues with its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran does not allow any ship/tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.01 per cent higher at 98.96.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 3.16 per cent at USD 121.76 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, Sensex tumbled 821.79 points to 76,674.57 in early trade, while the Nifty dived 287.3 points to 23,890.35.
Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth Rs 2,468.42 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
"FPIs continue with their sale of Indian Equities and debt (the yield touched 7 per cent on Wednesday) and are also dollar buyers consistently," Bhansali added.
