ISLAMABAD: In order to check the spread of dengue in the capital, the local administration has authorised police to arrest anyone found letting water accumulate on their premises.

In this regard, an order was issued from the office of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat with guidelines for the residents to follow.

The order stated: “It is a scientific fact that accumulated freshwater is a 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 inter alia carry the threat of exposing the population to mosquito-borne diseases.”

Tyre shops displaying tyres outside and in open spaces can also be breeding spots for the virus. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the administration/management of mosques, private housing societies and market committees to ensure cleanliness and measures regarding non-accumulation of water on their premises.

Furthermore, the Sanitation Directorate of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) shall be responsible for solid waste management under the guidance of its Health Directorate.

The Environment Directorate is responsible for taking measures under the guidance of the health directorate.

“There are sufficient grounds to prohibit any kind of accumulation of freshwater in any form whatsoever and unauthorised display and storage of tyres by any person. The district magistrate hereby prohibits the activity for two months,” said the order.

Furthermore, the sanitation and environment directorates of the CDA shall ensure foolproof arrangements in compliance with the instructions and submit reports to their respective assistant commissioners on a daily basis.

Moreover, the assistant commissioners shall inspect their respective areas, including schools, parks, junkyards, graveyards, mosques, nurseries, abandoned plots, government and private offices, open and green areas.

All government and private offices and departments, including police stations, mosques, schools under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), autonomous bodies and special institutions are responsible to comply with the general housekeeping in order to prevent and control dengue.

Environment must be kept neat and clean, water storage utensils such baskets, drums and tanks covered.

Discarded tyres must be disposed of after shredding, leaking water pipes and drains must be repaired regularly, whether outside or inside bathrooms, kitchens and other part of the premises.

Flowers pots and such other places which can accumulate water must be cleaned at least once a week, said the order.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2020