Pre-monsoon cleaning work will be taken up in the district for two days from May 11 as part of a state-wide campaign launched by the government to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Attending a meeting of officials here on Saturday, Minister for Excise and Labour T.P. Ramakrishnan said proper waste disposal was the best means to contain contagious diseases. Local self-governments will take the lead in cleaning rivers, ponds, canals, and drains. Meetings of local body representatives and officials will be convened on May 6 and 7 ahead of the drive.
Each ward will get ₹10,000 from the Kerala Suchitwa Mission and the National Health Mission. Panchayats can spend ₹5,000 each from their own fund.
Mr. Ramakrishnan said cleaning work should be taken up at houses, offices, and public spaces. Cleaning squads should also be formed in each ward, and 50 houses could be clubbed under one cluster. Additional District Medical Officer Asha Devi said mosquito breeding sources should be eliminated to ward off the threat of vector-borne diseases during monsoon months. Steps should be taken to ensure that mosquitoes do not breed in vacant houses and unused plots.