Naveen action in 'sting' operation

BHUBANESWAR: As a four-member team of the Congress headed by Leader of  Opposition Narasingh Mishravisited dengue-affected Barbil  area of Keonjhar district, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed for a coordinated action by Government departments to check the spread of the vector-borne disease.  The Chief Minister reviewed the dengue situation in Odisha and directed the Health, Urban  Development and Industries departments to jointly launch a massive cleanliness drive  both in urban and industrial areas of the State.

The Chief Minister’s  directive came following reports that majority of the dengue cases have been reported from industrial township of Barbil in the mineralrich  Keonjhar and Jagatpur Industrial Estate in Cuttack district. The meeting was told that so far, 1,874 cases of dengue have been reported from different  parts of the State. After the meeting, Minister of  State for Health and Family Welfare Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters that four industries have been sealed and showcause notices have been issued to 22 industries for not adhering to  the stipulated guidelines to maintain hygiene in the area and facilitating breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Nayak further informed that 678 dengue patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the State and  504 patients have been cured of the disease. So far, dengue has claimed three lives in the State, he said.  The Health Minister said the department has launched dengue surveillance across the State from June 26  and facilities have been created in 37 places for diagnosing dengue cases. Besides, special wards have been crea  t e d f o r d engue patients.

He said the situation  at Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada district, where diarrhoea has claimed two lives, is under control.  Nayak said a special drive will be launched from July 15 to create awareness among people about malaria, dengue and diarrhoea.  Disputing the State Government’s claim, the Leader of Opposition said the dengue situation at Barbil is alarming.

The Congress team comprising  Niranjan Patnaik, Ananta Sethiand Prafulla Majhi visited different  wards of Barbil town and met patients undergoing treatment at hospitals.