Secunderabad: NGO kicks off hygiene drive in Rasoolpura

Secunderabad: Vexed by the apathetic attitude of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) even in times of Covid pandemic, an NGO, Kriya Sangh Society of Rasoolpura, is involving locals in sanitising and fogging the locality.

Nayeem Pasha, the founder of NGO, said, "With the arrival of monsoon in the city, there is a high probability of people getting infected with vector-borne diseases due to increase in mosquito population. But the authorities have not yet taken up measures like fogging, clearing up nalas, spraying anti-larval pesticides, filling up low lying areas etc., to curb diseases. Last year, due to the same apathy towards civic issues by the authorities concerned resulted in many cases of dengue being reported in Rasoolpura. Three children lost their lives. Rasoolpura is slated as one of the biggest slums in Secunderabad with nearly 40,000 people residing over here. Almost all are from marginalised community and if anyone falls victim for dengue or other vector-borne diseases, it would be very difficult to arrange for blood transfusion and treatment due to shortage of blood donors and high cost involved. Also, in times of this pandemic, there are very few hospitals offering services to treat other diseases on priority."

Fed up of complaining to SCB officials, the NGO with the help of some likeminded people has decided to sanitise and fog the locality. This project would be carried out in various phases. In the first phase, all the places of worship (around 32) in Rasoolpura would be sanitised beginning from Monday (today). In second phase, the focus would be on government schools, anganwadis and community halls. And finally, in the third phase, sanitisation of slum and colonies would be taken up. This sanitation programme would continue until the situation comes under control, added Nayeem.

As part of this sanitation drive, around eight persons have agreed to volunteer and with the support of likeminded people anti-larval spray machine has been purchased at a cost of Rs 3000.