Initiatives taken by KMC for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases

Initiatives taken by KMC for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases

Posted on March 26, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Kolkata Municipal Corporation has taken various steps to control mosquito borne deceases. The deaths due to malaria have come down to zero in the last few years. The initiatives have received international mention is Oxford journals.

In a study conducted, it has shown that for February, the peak month for mosquito breeding, densities for egg rafts, larvae, pupae and adults, respectively, declined from 800, 2942, 1457 and 662 to 3, 75, 15 and 27.

Steps taken by the KMC:

Identifying the high risk area: Based on the data for last 3 years, 52 wards were identified as high risk areas

Joint drive for source reduction: KMC with other government departments like water supply, building, drainage and solid waste management took weekly joint drives for the period of peak malaria transmission. It was effective in destroying the mosquito breeding sites

Organising health camps and malaria clinics: Health camps adjoining to the slum areas were undertaken every year

Larvicidal spray: Larvicidal spray was done in door to door basis for all KMC wards. More than 1300 people are employed for the purpose, who carried the work all round the year

Plying speed boats along the canals: KMC has taken an initiative to ply speed boats along the canals and treat the canals with larvicidal spray to stop the breeding of mosquitoes. Speed boat generated waves were also very effective in preventing breeding of mosquitoes

Use of larvivorous fish: Efforts to destroy mosquito by using guppy fish were taken. To ensure availability, in house production of guppy fish was made in hatcheries

Mosquito research laboratory: Trinamool after coming to power in 2010, did set up the first-of-its kind laboratory in eastern India. Facilities were made for entomologists to undertake research and multiple research papers from the Institute were published in journals of international repute

Early diagnosis and complete treatment (EDCT): EDCT is one of the key strategies of the National Malaria Control Programme. KMC has set up 140 malaria clinics across the city, and suspected cases of malaria were treated in accordance with the National Drug Policy

Awareness programme through TV, Radio, leaflets, using mobile vans: High voltage mass awareness programme were launched by KMC. From audio CD, to television advertisements, to leaflets, to mobile vans to tabloids, KMC has taken a host of initiatives for creating awareness

The changing face of Kolkata under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee

Posted on March 24, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

In the course of last 5 years, Kolkata has undergone a face-lift, under the initiatives of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The Trinamool-run KMC has undertaken various measures for the residents of the city.

Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and the initiatives of , the ‘city of joy’ is now even more beautiful.

From beautified road dividers to modernised automated garbage vats; underpasses to beautified banks of river Hoogly, Kolkata is now a clean and green city.

Few instances of the changing face of Kolkata:

Mordernised VAT:

Kolkata Municipal Corporation has introduced mechanised garbage vans in place of the hand held vans

E-services:

KMC has introduced a host of online services for the citizens like assessment-collection, birth-death certificates, water supplies, car parking and others

Road:

The underpass constructed in Ultadanga has helped to make traffic smooth for the area

City beautification:

Kolkata has transformed into a clean and a green city

Initiatives for mosquito prevention:

KMC has taken several measures to prevent mosquito borne diseases.

When it comes to providing quality services to residents, TMC-run Kolkata Municipal Corporation has lived up to the promises made in 2010.

Water logging no longer a problem in Kolkata, thanks to modern sewer system by KMC

Posted on March 23, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s project for upgradation of the man-entry brick sewer system is nearing completion. This will substantially bring relief to the menace of water logging during monsoon. KMC also has installed mechanical sewer machines to remove water logging and cleaning choked sewers.

Primary reasons for water logging:

• Reduction of hydraulic capacity of the sewerage system due to heavy siltation

• Century old brick sewers in poor structural condition along most stretches leading to collapse

• Rapid urbanization and destruction of wetlands has resulted in increased runoff reaching the sewers

• Century old pumps and pumping machineries of the pumping station

• Silted up outfall canals in and around Kolkata

In the last few years KMC has rapidly upgraded its systems by not only building new brick sewer systems and installing mechanical sewer machines but also by construction of new pumping stations, time to time cleaning of silt, dredging of canals and also by protecting its existing wetlands.

To keep the city clean and to prevent water logging in the city, as citizens there are some do’s and don’ts which are required to be followed to help the Municipal Corporation to do their job and give high quality services in turn;

• Ensure garbage is not dumped specially in nikashi or gully pits

• Please stop usage of plastic lower than the prescribed micron thickness

• In case you notice choked sewers/ gully pits/ house drainage then please contact your local ward office or the concerned office of your area

• As a preventive measure you may also put a danger sign or some prominent object on the same or a stick protruding out of the manhole

• You can also register your complaints in the grievance cell of KMC

• Adhere to KMC’s guidelines during construction of buildings and stick to the sanctioned plans

KMC takes measure to control air pollution in city crematoriums

Posted on March 22, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Keeping with the sentiments of the people and in a bid to provide cleaner and pollution free environment, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) installed pollution-free wooden pyres and air pollution control devices at Keoratala crematorium in South Kolkata.

These air pollution control devices installed by KMC would reduce smoke, stench and pollution from wooden funeral pyres.

While, a major chunk of people prefer electric pyres for cremating bodies, some still prefer wooden pyres. This revamp of the pyres will provide relief to people, who accompany the body and need to wait till the cremation is over.

About 180 kg of wood is needed to burn a body. The process takes about three hours. The smoke and heat become intolerable and makes it very difficult to stay near the pyre. The new system will reduce heat, smoke and stench. Those living near the burning ghat will also benefit.

Hoods fitted with exhaust fans have been installed over these wooden pyres. The sucked-up smoke will be emitted through a 40ft tall chimney. A pollution control device fitted to the top of the chimney will clean the smoke and reduce ash particles in it.

A similar measure was taken for Nimtala Ghat, in North Kolkata and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation plans to renovate more crematoriums across the city as annually about 53,000 bodies are cremated in these burning ghats.

Besides taking anti-pollution measures, steps have been taken to beautify the adjoining areas too.

Trinamool announces names of municipal election candidates for 4 districts

Posted on March 21, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Trinamool Congress has announced its candidates for the forthcoming Municipal elections to be held in April 2015 across West Bengal.

Apart from Kolkata, the candidature listof which was already announced last week, list for the following places have also been finalised:

• Five wards for 24 Parganas (South)

• Six wards in Murshidabad

• Siliguri in Darjeeling

• Egra in Purba Medinipur

• Kathi in Purba Medinipur

• 24 Parganas (North)

The list of candidates for Hooghly, Nadia and Birbhum districts will be announced shortly.

Election in the districts will be held on 25 April 2015 and 25 March 2015 is the last date for filing nomination. Results will be out on 28 April 2015 for all the districts including Kolkata. Campaigning has already started for the constituencies whose candidate’s names have already been announced including putting up of posters, election graffiti etc.

Water for all: KMC sets up new projects for safe drinking water

Posted on March 21, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Water is one of the most essential commodities in life. Unlike many other cities in India, the water supply system is Kolkata is one of the finer ones. KMC not only upgraded the system from time to time but is also steadily venturing into new projects.

KMC’s Water Supply Department has already completed the landmark project of laying a pipeline with a diameter of 64 inches, for dedicated transmission to Tallah from Palta. Construction of the 30 MGD capacity water treatment plant at Dhapa is now complete. Construction of a few more booster pump stations are in the pipeline.

Here are some of the initiatives taken by the Corporation to serve the citizens of Kolkata in a fruitful manner;

Water Treatment Plants

• Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant (Barrackpore)

• Watgunge Water Treatment Plant

• Jorabagan Water Treatment Plant

• Dhapa Water Treatment Plant

• Construction of additional 15 MGD capacity of water treatment plant at Garden Reach Water works

Pumping Station with Reservoirs

New Pumping Stations with reservoirs set up at Tallah, Subodh Mullick Square, Auckland Square, Behala, Md. Ali Park, Garfa, Park Circus, Ranikuthi, Kalighat, Bansdroni, Kasba, Bagmari, New Park, Daspara, Siriti.

Under Construction :

Gandhi Maidan, Telepera, Mukundapur, Anandapur, Baishnabghata Patuli.

How to get a water supply connection:

● Contact assistant engineer of the Local Office of Water Supply Department.

● List of plumbers are available with the department

● Select a plumber and take an estimate from the plumber. The user should apply in the prescribed format and place it before the assistant engineer for sanction

● After receiving of sanction, deposit the amount and get connection

One premises is entitled to get one Water Supply Connection however option for bulk meter is available for which one may contact an executive engineer (Water Supply) of the respective Zone for water supply through bulk meter.

For details including deposit money, water charges, connection fees, connection related complaints kindly visit KMC.

WB CM writes to PM for immediate intervention in Farakka Barrage repair

Posted on March 20, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee has written a letter to the Prime Minister for immediate intervention after Gate number 49 at Farakka Barrage in West Bengal suddenly collapsed on March 15, 2015, leading to the free flow of water down the barrage through that opening.

The State Power Minister Manish Gupta and Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee visited the Farakka Barrage site and spoke to the officials.

The State is passing through a critical period, when availability of water is on the lower side but demand is peaking up. The farmers are facing dire consequences with low supply of irrigation water.

The West Bengal Irrigation Minister had already written to the Union Ministry of Water Resources, informing about the grave situation.

Collapse of more gates will adversely affect movement of barges carrying goods, municipal water supply, power generation, livelihood of people employed at Haldia and Kolkata Ports can be severely hit in case of any dislocation in water supply to Bhagirathi.

Immunisation for all: KMC initiatives preventing outbreak of diseases

Posted on March 20, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Early detection and prompt treatment helps to cure many diseases from becoming fatal. Kolkata Municipal Corporation runs various health related clinics throughout areas under its jurisdiction. These centres are affordable and conveniently located.

The clinics run by the Corporation range from routine immunization centre, malaria clinics, chest clinics, anti-rabies vaccination centres etc.

Clinics under KMC

Malaria Clinics – The KMC has so far established 59 malaria detection-cum-treatment centres in different parts of the city for this purpose. Blood test and treatment is free of cost. Since the prime objective is to prevent deaths from malaria all febrile patients visiting the clinics are given full course of presumptive treatment with chloroquine and primaquine. Those whose blood samples are positive are given radical treatment. The KMC authorities have introduced several mobile malaria clinics to help slum-dwellers enjoy easy access to speedy diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive steps are also taken by the Corporation to stop spreading of this disease which has for centuries been wreaking havoc in the world. As many as 90 countries including India are endemic for this disease, where officially 300 million people now suffer and 1 million people die every year. From time to time KMC undertakes antilarval spraying, indoor fogging, indoor residual spraying, area fogging and publicity campaigning through various mediums to make the people aware of the same. Visit KMC website or click here

Routine Immunization Centres – Around the world, routine immunizations have reduced and even eliminated many childhood illnesses that once killed and debilitated many children. Although many vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) have been controlled, children are still dying from diseases that could be prevented by providing the critical vaccinations during the first few years of life. The World Health Organization estimated that, every year, 1.5 million children die from diseases that could have been prevented by routine vaccination. That staggering total represents almost one-fifth of all the children who died worldwide before reaching their fifth birthday.

For the convenience of the citizens of Kolkata, the Corporation runs number of Immunization Centres throughout the city. 98 centres for routine immunization and mobile team for house to house visit are conducted by KMC. One can also get in touch with boroughs of each locality for details. Mass immunization programmes (e.g polio) for reaching out to greater number of people are also undertaken at regular intervals.

Chest Clinics – People who believe that they may have heart disease generally wish to have their fears confirmed or denied rapidly. Instead of long waits it is suggested to avail the services of Chest Clinics run by KMC. Located conveniently, you can get the details through the website run by the Corporation or click here.

Anti-Rabies Clinics – Rabies is a 100% fatal disease which is transmitted to humans through animal bites. Immediate vaccination is required to be taken by humans if bitten by stray dogs. To make Kolkata a rabies free city, the Municipal Corporation has established vaccination centres and from time to time the Corporation also conducts vaccination programmes for stray dogs on the streets of Kolkata. Visit KMC website or click here to see the centres located at various parts of the city.

Community Halls for all: KMC makes social gatherings affordable for all

Posted on March 19, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

For the last few years Kolkata Municipal Corporation has taken various innovative measures to turn Kolkata into not only a clean and beautiful city but also keep it affordable for all, especially when the cost of living is on the rise in all other metros in India.

If north Kolkata has a swimming pool in a park and Behala promises of steady water supply and better roads, those residing in Deshapriya Park-Gariahat-Dover Terrace area as well as those in Bhowanipore has something special in their areas. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has constructed a three-storied community hall at Dover Terrace and another at Bhowanipore, for the ‘financially weaker’ section.

Each floor of the building has a sprawling 3,000 square feet banquet hall. This means that three parties can book the hall on the same day. Besides the banquet halls, there are modern kitchens, toilets and separate rooms for accommodating brides, grooms and guests. Anyone can book the banquets by paying a nominal charge in advance. Though the charge of each floor is yet to be decided, it will be within Rs 10,000 for a day.

Another Community Hall, Jai Hind, was recently inaugurated by the West Bengal Chief Minister at the Kalighat Road-Harish Mukherjee Road Xing in Bhowanipore.

The decision to construct a community hall was taken as cost of booking a standard community hall has become beyond the reach of financially weaker sections of the society. Though space is a premium but KMC wishes to undertake many such projects in the near future.

Other Community Halls inaugurated by the KMC under Trinamool Congress are at 2, Ripon Square Ward No. 62, the C.I.T Park Community Hall at Sovaram Basak Street in Ward No. 22, Borough – IV, ‘Pubali’ at Kheali Park in Ward. 04, Borough-I among others.

Along with various beautification projects in the city, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has also taken various social projects to meet the expectations and need of the public from building number of public toilets, schools, parks, modern and affordable mortuary and such banquet halls the municipal body has shown if there is a will there is a best possible way to serve the citizens of Kolkata.

Education for all: KMC initiative to provide free education makes mark

Posted on March 18, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

To provide basic education to the poor children within its jurisdiction without any discrimination of caste, religion or community is the basic principle on which Kolkata Municipal Corporation runs its schools.

This free education does no way mean it is not at par with other paid schools in the city. To keep up with the quality of education and to spread its reach, in February 2015, 24 new schools were inaugurated by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation at Uttam Manch by Sovan Chatterjee, Mayor of Kolkata. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) had earlier announced the plan of setting up six Junior schools, eight English medium schools and ten Montessori schools at the Uttam Mancha near Kalighat.

Along with imparting education, KMC also attaches local parks and playgrounds to these schools to encourage the students to take up sports and extracurricular activities.

Highlights of KMC’s initiative in spreading education:

• No. of KMC Schools at present are 263 including three streams i.e. Bengali, Hindi and Urdu (Boys & Girls).

• No. of Bengali Medium Schools are 154

• No. of Hindi Medium Schools are 46

• No. of Urdu Medium Schools are 56

• No. of Mixed (Bengali & Urdu) Medium Schools are 5

• No. of Mixed (Hindi & Urdu) Medium Schools are 2

With the Financial assistance of Govt. of West Bengal, KMC is organizing 102 centres of Child education (S.S.K) between 01 to 141 Ward in different streams.

• Bengali Medium: 72 Centres

• Hindi Medium: 10 Centres

• Urdu Medium: 17 Centres

• Odiya Medium: 01 Centre

The following schemes have been undertaken in KMC Schools for the benefit of KMC School Children and /or the children of the neighbouring areas.

• Annual Sports meet of KMC School Children.

• Participation in State Level Sports on regular basis

• Distribution of national text books amongst the children of KMCP Schools and S.S.K. on free of cost.

• Libraries for students

• Participation in integrated learning project evaluation through Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (S.S.A.).

• Various training programme for development of scientific concepts of the children of KMCP Schools are arranged by Education Department, KMC with the financial assistance of UNICEF.

• Celebration of International Literacy Day on 8th September every year.

• Distribution of School Uniforms.

• Distribution of academic prizes and sport prizes.

• Distribute Mid-day-meal to all students of KMC schools

• Celebration of auspicious days namely Netaji’s Birthday, Republic Day, Rabindra Jayanti, Independence Day etc.

• Participation of School Children in sit & draw programme.

• Participation of school children in educational tour to places of Historical interest.

• Arrangement of school wise exhibition on improvised models.

• Work Education and Physical Education.