The Municipal Mazdoor Union, Municipal Karamchari Kamgar Sena and allied unions have blamed the BMC for its lackadaisical attitude in the prevention and control of malaria.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and its unions have locked horns over malaria control. The arrival of monsoon has diverted Municipal Union’s attention towards the mosquito sting.
The Municipal Mazdoor Union, Municipal Karamchari Kamgar Sena and allied unions have blamed the BMC for its lackadaisical attitude in the prevention and control of malaria. The unions have threatened to go on a 72-hour strike from June 13.
“The civic administration is lethargic towards anti-malaria drive. Malaria cases in the city have increased by seven times,” union president Sharad Rao said.
He alleged that the chemicals used for fogging and mosquito larvicide (ML) oil are insufficient. “The BMC is purchasing the chemical from a little known company in Bhiwandi, when Byers India is ready to supply the chemical,” he said.
However, the BMC maintained that they have supply of chemicals from reputed companies. “Purchase order of any chemical is given as per the recommendation of the central government and after certification from a government-recognized laboratory,” said Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner (health).
Civic officials clarified that the BMC has adequate quantity of ML oil. “At present the BMC has 67,403 litre of ML oil. This can easily last for two months. Also 50,000 litres of ML oil has been kept aside as reserved stock,” Dr Arun Bamne, chief insecticide officer, said adding that from Tuesday an additional truck of 10,000 litres of ML oil will be added to the existing stock.
The unions also raised questions over the civic body’s manpower.
“Around 600 posts in the malaria department are lying vacant. There is also a paucity of technicians,” said Mahabal Shetty, general secretary of the union.
“There is no dearth of personnel in the hospitals. Employees have been hired on a contractual basis,” said Mhaiskar.
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