G20 on mind, civic body to use drones for anti-dengue drive

As part of its operations to prevent the spread of dengue in the city, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will deploy drones for surveillance and to carry out fumigation in and around venues where the upcoming G20 meeting will be held, apart from places with high footfall.

The plan is part of projects being undertaken across the Capital which will host G20-related meetings starting from March till the summit meeting in September.

Cases of vector-borne diseases such as dengue are usually reported in Delhi between July and November every year.

“The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has envisioned a... plan to prevent dengue this year with special focus on G20 meeting venues, monuments, hotels, shopping mall, famous markets and other places of gathering of the delegates,” the civic body said in a statement on Saturday.

It will also involve stakeholders to prevent breeding of mosquitoes at high-footfall areas and around the G20 meeting venues. “...officials will regularly interact with resident welfare associations, religious leaders, market associations and inter-sectoral coordination meetings will be organised to create awareness,” MCD said. The action plan also includes door-todoor checks for mosquito breeding and spraying of insecticides.

“Our action plan... is made keeping the entire city in mind and focus will be on G20 summit areas. This year, MCD will ensure a higher success rate through more intensive control measures,” said municipal commissioner Gyanesh Bharti.