TAXILA: Dengue larvae has been found on the premises of the Taxila Museum, in the rest area, residential block and five other sites, official data from the health department revealed.

A health department team led by Deputy District Officer Health Dr Sara Qadeer visited the museum and its nearby residential compound after complaints from local tourists. They found dengue larvae in seven areas, and issued notices to the museum’s administration to improve sanitation and take dengue prevention measures within the museum’s premises.

Health Inspector Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmed said dengue larvae were found in five areas at the museum and two areas in the residential compound.

He added that dengue larvae and pupae were found from the water supply line, where water had accumulated due to seepage. Dengue larvae were also found in room coolers installed in various residential units.

Dr Qadeer said such a high number of dengue mosquito breeding areas in a public place are a threat to human lives, as the museum is visited by tourists from across the country and the world.

In response to a question, she said the museum compound was fogged according to standard operating procedure.

When contacted, Taxila Museum Curator Abdul Nasir Khan said they submitted applications to the assistant commissioner, deputy commissioner and the municipal committee for the cleaning and fogging of the compound in light of mosquito breeding season, but did not receive a response.

Municipal Committee Chief Officer Fazal-i-Akram said the municipal committee also does not have sanitation workers available because there has not been any recruitment in the last 10 years due to the ban, while those who were appointed earlier retired while the ban was in place.

He said the city’s sanitation is awarded to a private company, and the museum authorities should contact the company for regular sanitation work and garbage disposal.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2019