Rodent trouble giving jitters to CWG officials

The ongoing beautification drive, for which roads have been dug up and drains overhauled in the capital, could spell disaster during the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) as it will lead to rodent infestation, a senior health official of the Organising Committee said.

"There have been large-scale construction works. They (government agencies) have to remove all debris by August. Because of this there will be a problem of rodents and other similar infestation problems apart from the dust," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

He added: "This will have to be looked into seriously, otherwise what is the point of renovating roads and footpaths?"

All construction work must stop at least two months ahead of the Oct 3-14 CWG by early August so that pest-infestation can be controlled properly, the official added.

"The Games village is on a river bank, so extra caution will be required. We are coordinating with the government health department and civic agencies," he added.

Apart from rodents, the committee is also concerned about mosquitoes which begin breeding during the post-monsoon month.

"The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has started its work on this. It has decided to deploy 3,500 domestic breeding checkers. We have had three rounds of meetings with the health and waste management teams of the MCD and New Delhi Municipal Council," the official said.

The government has its own action plan as well, he added.

The Organising Committee is also not leaving any stone unturned to control pest infestation, especially at the CWG village.

"We have different plans (including using) WHO approved sprays and other pest control methods like electronic pest repellants. Advisories will also be circulated amongst visitors that they should use mosquito repellants," the official said.

"We have also suggested to the Commonwealth Games Federation that small mosquito repellants be given in the welcome kit to the visitors," he said.