Times of India
08 July 2010
By Vinay Dalavi

The residents of Model Mill Compound at Saat Rasta are a worried lot. Scores of people have had to be hospitalised with malaria in the past one month, and one 56–year–old has even died, but the civic authorities are doing little to prevent spread of the disease.

The lack of hygiene is evident in the area, which is filled with overflowing gutters and uncleared garbage.

Resident Shrikant Chavan said that members of at least 30 of the 150 families living in the chawls have had to be hospitalised. “I, too, was down with malaria and was admitted to Kasturba Hospital for several days. Though I have been discharged, I am worried I’ll be back in the hospital as the place is infested with mosquitoes.”

Another malaria victim, Umesh Patankar, said that while BMC officials do visit the area occasionally, no action is taken.

When contacted, Assistant Municipal Commissioner (E Ward) P J Patil said, “I will personally look into the matter. Malaria prevention is our prime concern.”