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Is BMC responsible for dengue deaths? Maharashtra government to find out

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A BMC worker carrying out fogging operation in Mumbai
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The BJP-Shiv Sena-led state government has ordered an inquiry into use of ineffective chemical by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation during its fogging drive to kill mosquitoes. Congress and NCP have alleged that the use of ineffective chemical – Pyrethrum extract – eventually led to 67 deaths in the city alone. Besides BMC, a few other corporations too used the said chemical.

Over 1.77 lakh people have been affected by dengue in Maharashtra in last nine months. The mosquito-borne tropical disease has claimed 164 lives in the state including 67 in Mumbai.

Raising the issue in state legislative assembly, NCP's Bhaskar Jadhav said, "In the laboratory tests it has been revealed that the chemical used to kill mosquitoes by fogging was ineffective. It could not kill even 80% of the mosquitoes. The BMC has bought the chemical from Kolkata- based Neeta Paul firm, which has been blacklisted by the Surat Municipal Corporation.

"The state agriculture commissioner had also issued a circular that mosquito killing and fogging chemicals should be bought from state-based firms only. Despite that, the BMC bought an ineffective chemical in gross violations," Jadhav alleged.

The Congress and NCP alleged that not only BMC officials, but standing committee members were also hand in glove with the said company and demanded that they should be booked under IPC 302 (punishment for murder).

Jitendra Awhad, another NCP leader said, "The civic administration forwards a proposal, but it is always approved by the standing committee members. The standing committee which approves the proposals is also equally responsible for this gruesome crime."

Congress legislator Amin Patel too said no one should be spared. "These officials and elected representatives have played with the lives of the people and therefore should be punished," Patel said.

Deepak Sawant, the health minister said the state government will probe into the matter and will take appropriate action against the guilty.

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