MARGAO: A recent inspection at Rumdamol and the Industrial Estate at Sao Jose de Areal revealed several critical issues requiring immediate attention, notably the accumulation of garbage and abandoned vehicles contributing to the rise in vector-borne diseases.
The inspection found uncleared garbage posing health and environmental risks, and abandoned vehicles scattered throughout the area, obstructing traffic and posing safety hazards. Blocked gutters were a major concern, increasing the likelihood of flooding during heavy rains. Additionally, people were found residing in unregistered rooms with inadequate sanitation, highlighting the need for better housing conditions and regulatory oversight. Illegal scrap storage in unlicensed industrial sheds, which were also being sublet, pointed to violations of zoning laws and safety regulations.
The Core Committee of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) DHS, Panjim, conducted the site inspection at the Rumdamol-Davorlim Panchayat area and the Industrial Estate in San Jose de Areal to combat the spread of dengue. Notably, a five-year-old child recently died from dengue in Rumdamol, causing panic in the locality.
Led by Dr Kalpana Mahatme, Deputy Director NVBDCP, and Roland Martins, Coordinator of GOACAN, the Core Committee reviewed how effectively the PHC had utilised sections of the Public Health Act to tackle vector-borne diseases. The committee plans to follow up on the Action Taken Report from allied departments in a month.
“There are multiple issues. We are here to determine what can be done. Appropriate authorities must address these issues contributing to vector-borne diseases,” said Roland Martins. He stressed that this situation is a wake-up call for both society and the concerned authorities.
“What we have realised at Rumdamol is the problem due to garbage. Many sites here invite mosquito breeding grounds and must be tackled,” said Dr Kalpana Mahatme. She stated they would write to the local panchayat to take action against those responsible for creating a nuisance.
“We have also witnessed huge amounts of unattended garbage, tyres, and abandoned vehicles,” added Dr Mahatme. The inspection team included representatives from the PHC Curtorim, Rumdamol-Davorlim p’yat, Labour Department, GIDC, PWD, and the Areal panchayat.
