MARGAO
Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro has said the Department of Fisheries has taken several precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
A meeting was convened by the Fisheries Director with officials of health and representatives of local bodies a day ago to take stock of the situation at the fishing jetties across the State.
Dr Monteiro has said that SOPs and posters have been disseminated to sensitise stakeholders on the importance of maintaining hygiene, safe disposal of waste, and consumption of clean drinking water. “Officials posted at the Cutbona jetty have been actively engaging with fishermen societies to educate their members on essential health precautions,” she said.
To support hygiene practices, the Fisheries Director has said that sanitation infrastructure at the jetty has been strengthened. “The newly constructed 50-seater toilet facility is now operational in addition to the existing toilets. Officials have been consistently emphasising the use of these facilities. Fishermen have been advised to make use of the sanitation facilities and to remain vigilant for symptoms of illness,” she said.
She added: “Regular cleanliness drives and fogging activities are being conducted at the jetty premises to control vector borne diseases and water borne diseases and maintain overall hygiene. All societies have been cooperating with the authorities for maintaining cleanliness and promptly reporting any suspected cases of disease to the nearest health centre.”
The Fisheries Director has reiterated the commitment of the Department of Fisheries to public health and collective efforts are essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment at the Cutbona jetty.
