JHARSUGUDA: Even after five dengue deaths, the Brajrajnagar Municipality continues to be indifferent to mosquito menace.Notwithstanding the threat of vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria looming large, sanitation measures in 10 of the 23 wards under the municipality are in a shambles. Clogged drains, stagnant water in pits and puddles have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Sources said there was no dearth of manpower or logistics to curb breeding of mosquitoes. Despite the alarming situation, seven fogging machines are lying unused. Retired teacher Vyasdev Panda alleged that drains were not being cleared for days together as a result of which, weeds have developed.Sources said when the first dengue case was reported, Jharsuguda Collector Guru Prasad Mishra and SP D Gangwar took measures and oversaw sanitation works in all the areas. However, in the absence of follow-up action, things are back to square one with errant municipal workers paying little attention to the situation.The Municipality has 110 sanitation staff, including 30 contractual workers.The civic officials, however, denied the charge. Executive Officer Pradip Panda said sanitation drive was in full swing and seven fogging machines are being used for mosquito control.
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