Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat along with Mangaluru City Corporation and Health and Family Welfare Department jointly observed World Malaria day at MCC here on Tuesday.

The programme was inaugurated by MLA J R Lobo and Mayor Kavitha Sanil.

Addressing the gathering MLA Lobo said, “Public support is needed to eradicate Malaria from the city and district in large. If the people of Mangaluru join hands in the mission with MCC then the task would get easier. Mosquitoes can breed even in clean water. If we want to eliminate mosquito breeding we should first close all the open drains. MCC should spread awareness among the people regarding Malaria. Sometimes the septic tanks are also directly connected to the open drainage which is a serious issue. We have to put an end to such malice practices.”

Lobo further said, “Many people demand fogging for mosquitoes but instead of fogging it is better to plant neem trees. The neem trees can repel mosquitoes and the smoke of the leaves is more effective than fogging. The neem trees also absorb bad odour. MCC should utilise government funds effectively to make Mangaluru a healthy city”.

Mayor of Mangaluru, Kavitha Sanil addressing the gathering said, “MCC has taken all the necessary steps to eradicate Malaria and other mosquito based diseases. 96 staff have been appointed in all the 60 wards to survey cases of Malaria. Medical checkup of building construction workers has also been done. A special team named Good Morning and Shobhodaya has been formed to check cases of Malaria among the labour class. There has been a significant reduction of over 50% in registration of Malaria cases this year (1250) while compared to last year (2605).”

The Mayor has further directed to clean overhead tanks used in hotels, commercial buildings, and residential apartments within the next 15 days.