File photo of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.
Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today visited four Delhi Metro construction sites across the city, his first such inspection in the wake of the dengue outbreak which has already claimed nearly 28 lives.
Incidentally, Delhi Metro was prepared well-in-advance in this regard as the LG office had put out a statement on September 22 saying Mr Jung will be visiting DMRC construction sites to see the preparedness in checking breeding larvae and would undertake "other surprise visits".
The inspections came following Mr Jung's recent meeting with various stakeholders including the Chief Secretary, the heads of all the civic bodies, DDA Vice Chairman and other top officials of the administration.
Although metro officially maintained that it was "very much a surprise visit" as there was not any prior intimation about the venue of the visits.
Mr Jung began his inspection from a site at the Delhi Gate area and followed it up by visiting South Ex, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh. He, however, did not inspect the construction site at South Campus as per the schedule shared by his office.
"The need is to make the people of every household aware of the dos and dont's. The larvae of the vector thrives on clean water. The need is to create awareness among people to take precautions for preventing breeding of mosquitoes till end of October," he said.
Mr Jung also refused to comment on allegations of lack of preparations by the Delhi Government and MCDs saying that it was the time to focus on checking dengue through preventive measures and awareness.
At Delhi Gate, Mr Jung pointed at water tanks at the site that were not properly covered.
He also directed DMRC officials to ensure that roofs of the temporary accommodations of workers on the construction sites were sloped so that rain water could not accumulate there.
Accompanied by officers from Raj Niwas and Zonal Medical Officers from MCDs, he made rounds of the construction sites at South Extension, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh where he was briefed by DMRC officials, who were prepared for the visit.
He instructed DMRC officials to coordinate with MCD medical officers in taking steps to check prevention of dengue.
Dengue till now has affected close to 4000 people and claimed 28 lives unofficially as the official figure of death toll is 17.