Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner reassures DK residents on Dengue, Nipah virus concerns
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada (DK) district Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan on Friday reassured the public that there is no cause for concern regarding infectious diseases such as dengue and Nipah virus in the region. In an effort to educate the public about these diseases, their symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment, he has directed health officials and local organizations to take proactive measures.
Chairing a meeting at the DC's office to address the control of infectious diseases, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan provided valuable insights. He emphasized that there is no need to fear the Nipah virus, provided necessary precautions are taken. He advised people to exercise caution if bats are present near their homes and to avoid consuming fruits that may have been exposed to bites from birds. Properly washing fruits before consumption is essential, and individuals experiencing fever should seek medical attention without delay, he added.
Muhilan urged the health department staff and Asha workers to acquire comprehensive knowledge about Nipah virus symptoms from medical officers and to disseminate this information to the public. He also suggested close coordination with the forest department to identify areas with fruit bats.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the significance of active participation from District Wenlock Hospital, Medical Colleges, and primary health centers in combating infectious diseases. Special emphasis was placed on dengue control, which is of paramount importance, especially during the rainy season when stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To mitigate dengue risks, Muhilan recommended identifying mosquito breeding sites and taking immediate remedial measures. Awareness campaigns for dengue control were proposed at both the district and local organization levels, utilizing communication channels like WhatsApp groups. An action plan for larvicidal spraying will be developed, targeting areas with known mosquito breeding concerns. Additionally, fogging, larvicidal spraying, and larval surveys will be conducted promptly upon the discovery of dengue cases, he stated.
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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
