No chikungunya deaths in Union territory says Rangasamy

Puducherry, Oct 13 (UNI) Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy today said only nine people were affected with Chikungunya in the Union Territory and no deaths were reported due to the disease so far.

Talking to mediapersons here he said the Centre had granted Rs 1.22 crore to tackle the disease and, This would be utilised properly.

He said a special 'Shramadan' by co-ordinating departments like Health, LAD, PWD, education, NSS volunteers, school children, SHGs and 'anganwadi' workers would function from tomorrow in all the four regions of the Union Territory.

Garbage would be cleared as the mosquitos spreading Chikugunya, breeds in such circumstances he said, adding that a special drive would also be utilised to create awareness among the people about Chikungunya.

The Chief Minister also said in a bid to keep Puducherry clean, the garbage cleaning work would be entrusted to SHGs in rural areas.

The administration was considering to ban the use of plastic in the Union Territory, he added.

Special food would be given to prisoners during Deepavali and food from their home would also be given to them, Mr Rangasamy said.

Meanwhile, Mr Rangasamy said his government would not stop the free rice scheme. Steps were being taken to supply the rice for the month of October, he added.

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