ISLAMABAD: A ban has been imposed on the accumulation of freshwater in the capital to check the spread of the dengue virus.

An order issued from the office of the district magistrate and signed by Additional Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Shoaib Ali stated that the ban had been imposed on the accumulation of freshwater to avoid any outbreak of the dengue fever.

“It is a scientific fact that accumulated freshwater is breeding ground for the virus that causes dengue fever.

“The discharge of water from houses into streets and roads, accumulation of freshwater in the form of ponds without covers, running of fountains, standing water in plant pots, lawns and gardens carry the threat of exposing the population to mosquito borne diseases.”

Moreover, it added, tyre shops with display of tyres outside and in open spaces or the storage of moist/uncovered tyres can also be a breeding spot for the virus.

The ban will remain in force for a period of two months.

An official said teams would be formed to check the violation of the ban. The ban will assist the departments concerned to take necessary measures such as fumigations, draining standing water out and leveling the ground to avoid the accumulation of water.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2017