West Bengal’s top official holds meeting on dengue management

West Bengal Chief Sec. directs district officials to conduct clean-up drives at dengue hotspots. State Govt. cancels leave of all officials & staff associated with dengue management. Protests held across Kolkata blaming ruling party for mismanaging situation. Unofficial estimates indicate 38 deaths due to dengue this season.

Following an increase in cases of dengue infections which have caused some deaths, West Bengal Chief Secretary, H K Dwivedi on Monday directed district officials to immediately conduct clean-up drives at dengue hotspots, based on entomological alerts.

“As per the directions of HCM (Honourable Chief Minister), the Chief Secretary held meetings with the District Magistrates, Commissioner KMC (Kolkata Municipal Corporation) and CMOHs (Chief Medical Officer of Health) of all districts regarding the dengue situation in the State,” a statement by the State Government said.

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During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed District Magistrates (DMs) to convene meetings with councillors of civic bodies in their districts, and ensure that preventive steps are taken.

“Focused intensive cleaning will be taken up at all the hotspots immediately based on entomological alerts. Special emphasis will be given to the removal of scrap, management of construction sites, closed factory premises and vacant land,” the statement said. 

It also added that State authorities have asked Central Government offices in West Bengal to ensure cleanliness along with adequate preventive measures at construction sites, including the Kolkata Metro.