Delhi govt asks schools to ensure zero breeding of dengue mosquito

Gearing up for the rainy season during which there is high prevalence of dengue, Delhi Government has asked all schools in the national capital to ensure there is no breeding of aedes mosquitoes in and around their premises.

The government has also directed the schools to display a list of do’s and dont’s at prominent places in their premises and generate awareness among the students about dengue and preventive and measures needed to check the outbreak of the disease.

“As all are aware, especially during and after the rainy season, there is high prevalence of Dengue. In order to control and prevent the dengue outbreak, it is essential to ensure there is no mosquito breeding in the school areas,” Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a communication to government-run as well as private schools.

“All principals are directed to display the list of Do’s and Don’ts at prominent places in the school premises and bring the same to the notice of students/teachers/visitors.

“Further, during assembly, all students and teachers may please be sensitized on dengue outbreak and control measures of mosquitoes’ breeding in and around their houses,” the letter further said.

According to a municipal report, at least seven cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this year, with five of them in the first 10 days of April. Last year, the city saw a staggering 15,867 dengue cases, the worst in 20 years. The disease also claimed 60 lives.

As the situation turned grave, Delhi Government had last September made it mandatory for students to come dressed in full-sleeved shirts, trousers and salwar kameez for one month as a preventive measure to avoid mosquito bites.

The schools were also asked to nominate teachers-in-charge of ‘eco clubs’ as nodal officers for dengue prevention and directed that funds available for such club activities be used for prevention of water stagnation and similar measures.

PTI