KOCHI: In view of the public health emergency sounded in many countries due to the spread of the deadly zika virus, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, a meeting of the Kochi Corporation council on Friday expressed serious concerns over the city’s unpreparedness to tackle the threat.
Councillors from both the Ruling Bench and Opposition demanded immediate steps to prevent the virus and to intensify mosquito control measures.
“Since the city has a large population of Aedes mosquito which breeds in fresh water, there are high chances for the outbreak of the disease here. Travellers from across the world visiting the city also add to the risk,” said K.J Antony, opposition leader.
Councillors alleged that despite fogging and chemical spraying, the density of mosquitoes was on the increase. Deputy Mayor T.J Vinod, Welfare committee chairman A.B Sabu, Opposition councillors V.P Chandran, and C.J Peter sought mosquito control measures on a war footing.
Meanwhile, health committee chairperson V.K Minimol said that the civic body alone could not tackle the issue and technical assistance of expert agencies and scientists was required to find a permanent solution.
Replying to the debate, Mayor Soumini Jain instructed the health committee to intensify fogging and chemical spraying and observing ‘dry days’ in all divisions.
Other issues debated include drinking water scarcity, lapses in property tax collection, continuing toilet waste dumping in open spaces and delay in disbursement of welfare pension.
Councillors from west Kochi alleged that water supply in those areas had not been augmented despite the commissioning of the 100 MLD Piravom project due to a poor distribution network.
A.B Sabu urged the Mayor to convene a meeting of Kerala Water Authority officials to resolve the issue.
