In a bid to intensify efforts to combat malaria and dengue, the South Goa District Co-ordination Committee for Control of Vector-Borne Diseases convened a high-level meeting at the South Goa Collectorate on Thursday.
The committee has decided to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration to ensure more effective surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases across all seven talukas of the district.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Collector (Revenue) Brucelee Jesus Nazario Savio Quadros, reviewed reports submitted by Urban Health Centres (UHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) outlining the steps taken so far in the fight against malaria and dengue.
Officials discussed gaps in the current system and proposed a series of measures to tighten coordination among health authorities, panchayats, municipal councils, and various government departments.
Among the key issues raised was the need for construction sites to prominently display their valid licences and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Concerns were also expressed over poor sanitation conditions at industrial estates under the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
It was agreed that improved waste management and active involvement of Garbage Management Committees are essential for successful source reduction drives.
The committee also recommended digitising health cards issued to labourers, especially at construction sites, and conducting regular checks on rented accommodations housing migrant workers, which are often identified as high-risk areas for mosquito breeding.
Another significant point discussed was the increased registration of wells under the Water Resources Department’s “Nitol Goem, Nitol Baim” scheme. The committee called for a survey of abandoned wells and their potential to become mosquito breeding grounds. Activation of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) under the newly formed Department of Drinking Water was also proposed as a way to promote community involvement.