Mamata govt runs after pigs to stop spread of encephalitis

, July 28: The

administration has prioritised catching of pigs over supplying pure drinking water to fight the rapid spread of Japanese encephalitis in three districts of North Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently told the media that the government would catch pigs roaming in the hospital campuses as a measure to deal with the disease that has already claimed over 120 lives.

Experts from New Delhi and Pune, however, held the high level of water pollution responsible for the spread of Japanese encephalitis and have advised supply of safe drinking water in areas where the disease has made inroads.

But the Banerjee government decided to focus more on the roaming pigs to improve the cleanliness in the hospital compounds. Although the experts agreed that both pigs and mosquitoes are carriers of the virus but they also identified water as the main source of the disease in case of many of the affected people in North Bengal. They said the water-borne disease has all characteristics of encephalitis and it is very important to ensure safe water supply.

The experts have also advised the authorities to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease in South Bengal.

State minister of state, health and family welfare, Chandrima Bhattacharya said the government was looking after this issue as well.

Oneindia News