RAWALPINDI: The Divisional Coordination Committee on Friday asked the deputy commissioners (DCs) of all districts of Rawalpindi division - Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Murree - to expedite work on eliminating dengue larvae in the monsoon season.

It was decided in the meeting that joint teams of Rawalpindi and Islamabad administrations would conduct solid waste management on the border areas of Karnal Sher Khan Road and Islamabad Expressway.

The meeting was held to review anti-dengue campaign at the Commissioner’s Office. Commissioner Aamir Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hasan Waqar Cheema, Director Local Government Sibtain Kazmi, District Health Officer Dr Ehsan Ghani and other officials concerned attended the meeting.

“The provincial government is giving top priority to cleanliness; the public is also being actively involved in it so that the risk of dengue breeding can be minimised by keeping the environment clean,” an official informed the meeting participants.

It was informed that the current temperature was very suitable for the breeding of dengue larvae, in view of which all government departments should play their proactive role in anti-dengue activities by ensuring the implementation of the prescribed standard operating procedures.

It was further informed that steps should be taken to keep the environment and the surroundings clean during the anti-dengue campaign.The meeting directed that in wake of the current rainspell, field activities should be increased and rainwater drainage ensured as stagnant water was a potential spot for dengue larvae breeding.

Health officials, while giving a briefing on the current status of dengue in Rawalpindi district, said dengue surveillance teams were being specially monitored and checked through third party validation to make the field activities effective.

So far this year, 27 confirmed dengue cases had been reported in Rawalpindi. Moreover, 496 FIRs had been registered, 216 building sealed, 829 challans issued and fine of more than Rs1.2 million imposed for violating dengue SOPs.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Aamir Khattak took strict notice of the complaints about the sale of Roti at high prices in Rawalpindi district.

He directed the deputy commissioner to immediately check spots indicated in the complaints and submit a detailed report.

He further asked deputy commissioners to ensure implementation of reduced flour prices as per the directives of the Punjab chief minister.

The commissioner said there was also a Qeemat Punjab app for the public to register complaints about excessive rates, adding that according to the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, practical measures were being taken to provide maximum relief to the people.

He said price control magistrates should be present in the field to ensure sale of Roti and other food items as per government notified rates. Any kind of negligence in this regard will not be tolerated, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024