Check mosquito breeding at tourist places, says chief secy

JAIPUR: The chief secretary has directed that breeding of mosquitoes be checked in and around tourist spots, such as Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall. Tourism staff have been asked to inform about mosquito breeding KULDEEP RANKA, principal secretary, state tourism department

As Jaipur has reported more than 100 Zika virus cases, the Rajasthan chief secretary directed the tourism department to check mosquito breeding at tourist spots in the Pink City that drew visitors with Dusshera holidays followed by a weekend.

Chief secretary DB Gupta called a meeting late Thursday to review the efforts being made to contain Zika virus.

“The chief secretary has directed that breeding of mosquitoes be checked in and around tourist spots, such as Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall and others,” said Kuldeep Ranka, tourism department principal secretary. “Tourism staff have been asked to inform about mosquito breed- ing, so that anti-larval activities, including fogging, can be carried out immediately.”

Ranka said a meeting of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan will be organised next week to make tour operators, guides and others aware about Zika virus. “Their concerns and queries will be addressed with help from the health department.”

The chief secretary also directed that anti-larval activities be organised in government educational and other institu- tions in the Zika-affected areas. He asked Jaipur Municipal Corporation officials to ensure cleanliness and inform people in advance where fogging will be done.

Gupta asked additional director general of police (armed battalions) K Narsimha Rao to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding at the Rajasthan Police Academy, police line, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) battalion, police stations, and check posts with the health department’s help.