Time to launch Operation Swat in full throttle

This picture has been used for representational purpose

It has been buzziness not as usual as the civic authorities have got the big guns out in their battle against malaria and dengue in the city. Reports across highlighted how the city reported a surge in these cases. The BMC deployed a drone to sanitise the city's Dhobi Ghat locality to curb the spread of these monsoon-related diseases.

The hi-tech sanitisation drive is welcome as there is little use having technology but not using it for these purposes. It would be good if the BMC can cover different pockets of the city through these methods.

It is especially important we try to live up to the catch phrase ‘fight the bite' which refers to malaria and, in these times, dengue too. These diseases seem to have taken somewhat of a backseat because of the fight Covid message. Yet, it is important to note that we are in the midst of a pandemic and we take extra care in other aspects too when it comes to health.

As medicos are battling Covid and the city is bracing for what may or may not be a third wave, we have to go that extra mile to avoid surge in other cases like these.

Sanitation measures in the home, around residential localities and in general is a good way to start. All stagnant water must be drained out. Water pools around unfinished projects stalled because of lack of labour due to Covid or other reasons need to be removed. The city is also seeing a renewed monsoon with the weather department warning of heavy rain in coming days. This should make us even more alert to the possibility of water collecting inside and around building compounds. Malaria and dengue have always been this season's worries but even more so in the outbreak. We must strengthen our resolve and action to combat them. Operation Swat, full steam ahead.