Identify mosquito breeding hubs, Madras HC tells Chennai corpn, TN health dept

Chennai: Madras high court directed Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the state health department to conduct a comprehensive survey throughout the state within four weeks to identify hotspots of water stagnation and mosquito breeding.The first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan directed GCC to ensure regular cleaning of drains, desilting of sewers and fogging operations, particularly in high-risk zones. A schedule of these activities shall be published on the official website of the corporation to ensure transparency, the court said."The state govt is directed to establish a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism (such as a helpline number, if not already extant for this purpose) within one month, where citizens can report instances of water stagnation or lack of fogging. Such complaints must be addressed within 48 hours, and the health department shall launch a widespread awareness campaign through print, electronic and social media, educating the public on the prevention of vector-borne diseases," the judges said.Highlighting the role of citizens in the issue, the bench said every citizen, as per Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, has a duty to prevent the creation of breeding grounds within their own premises."It is the responsibility of residents to ensure that water does not stagnate in flowerpots, coolers, rooftops or discarded containers. Negligence in private spaces leads to public health crises," the court said.Citizens are duty-bound to cooperate with municipal workers during inspection and fogging drives. Denial of access to premises for inspection or anti-larval measures is a dereliction of constitutional duty. Citizens should utilise the grievance mechanism established by the state to report defaulters and public health hazards, thereby assisting the administration in its duties, the bench added.The court passed the order on a plea moved by G Vijayaraja seeking direction to GCC to take action for removal of stagnant water, desilting and cleaning of stormwater drains.
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