Covid precaution: GHMC to spray disinfectant across city during monsoon

HYDERABAD: While the state government has been claiming a decline in Covid-19 second wave cases, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to procure disinfectant liquid (sodium hypochlorite solution) to spray at all public places during monsoon.

Corporation authorities stated that spraying the disinfectant was to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in the city. While the peak was in April and May, the corporation’s Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing has now decided to procure 5.6 lakh kgs of disinfectant at an estimated cost of Rs 1.96 crore. Authorities said that the disinfectant would be sprayed in public places for 30 days during the monsoon.

The all-purpose antiseptic solution will have 12.5 to 15 per cent of chlorine confirming IS-11673/1992 inclusive of packaging in containers. The successful bidders must deliver a minimum of 18,600 kgs daily from the date the letter of authorization (LOA) is issued. On their failure, the tender would be cancelled and earnest money deposit (EMD) will be forfeited. Officials said that the bids would be finalised on Tuesday.

This apart, the corporation has now floated tenders to procure four inflatable rescue boats for the LB Nagar zone ignoring the other areas in the city that are prone to submerging. Each boat would carry eight to ten persons and would cost about Rs 32 lakh. The design and construction of the boat would be suitable for an outboard motor (OBM) with maximum motor power of 25 HP.
When asked about the invitation of bids for spraying disinfectant liquid during monsoon and that the second wave, as claimed by the government, was declining, GHMC officials refused to comment.

Asked about the purchase of boats, a senior official said: "We are gearing up to fight urban flooding. And something is better than nothing."