As cases of vector-borne diseases witnessed spurt in the national Capital, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) shifted all the blame on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dispensation, saying the leaders will stage sit-in at Delhi Chief Minister House in case he failed to release funds within one week.
“The SDMC demanded Rs 49 Crore for controlling vector borne diseases and Rs 34.60 Cr was allocated subsequently but only Rs 2.15 Cr has been released. It is matter of concern as Rs 2.75 Cr is required to release monthly salary of 1175 ‘Dengue Breeding Checkers’ (DBCs) and 734 field workers,” said SDMC Mayor Sunita Kangra.
“The number of cases of dengue and malaria are feared to go up during the raining season and Delhi Government must take a liberal view in releasing funds to SDMC considering the health of the residents,” she added.
The Mayor said “We have requested Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain for an appointment to discuss the issue of funds for the health department but there has been no response from his side,”
Talking about the difficulties to arrange medicines and fogging to mitigate the effect of vector borne diseases this year, Standing Committee Chairperson in SDMC Bhupender Gupta said that the number of such diseases may go up in present circumstances of financial crunch. He said that the main reason of mosquito breeding is digging of roads by the agencies of the Delhi Government which resulted in accumulation of water.
“In case the funds are not released, it will become impossible to purchase medicines. The present stock is going to suffice during ordinary circumstances. In case the number of patients goes up, it will last soon,” said Leader of House Kamaljeet Sehrawat.
Meanwhile, Mayor of North Delhi Avtar Singh met Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal and requested to issue directions to Delhi Government for release of funds to the Corporation pending since erstwhile MCD.
Singh said that a balance of Rs 9.5 Cr regarding construction of grade separator at Rani Jhansi Road is yet to be released by Delhi Development Authority. Mayor also informed that non-salary portion of first installment of plan head under 5th Delhi Finance Commission that is Rs 88.55 Cr has not been released by Delhi Government.
“The second installment of Rs 41.4 crore and plan grants worth Rs 266.54 Cr are also due from 1st July, 2019. Payment of Rs 968.97 Cr under 4th DFC is also yet to be released to North DMC,” he informed.
The national Capital witnessed increase in patients suffering from malaria with at least 123 persons affected till July this year. Cases of dengue have also spiked with 13 cases traced last week, taking the total number of patients to 104 this year till now. According to a data released by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) last Monday, six new cases of Chikungunya also reported in the city taking the total number to 33.
However, out of total cases of malaria, 61 cases diagnosed belong to the neighbouring states while 65 patients suffering from dengue traced in Delhi belong to other states. As per the report, hospitals did not provide address of two patients diagnosed of malaria, two of Chikungunya and 13 patients diagnosed of dengue.
