Rohit Shishodia
The Delhi Government has signed MoUs with Resident Welfare Associations, including URJA and Citizens’ Alliance, to boost their fight against vector borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

The MoUs were signed in presence of Health Minister Mr Satyendra Jain and Delhi Dialogue Commission Vice-Chairman Jasmine Shah, as part of government’s initiative to reach out to RWAs across Delhi for its mega anti-Dengue campaign 10 Baje 10 Hafte 10 Minute every Sunday morning.

Delhi government said that these RWA bodies have pledged their full support to help the government in reaching out to RWAs under their fold and motivate them to join the campaign for prevention of vector borne diseases – dengue and chikungunya.

Mr Satyendra Jain said that the engagement with RWAs will begin with a mega event on September 24, 2019, in which the Chief Minister Mr Arvind Kejriwal will address the RWAs at the Talkatora Stadium.

The Delhi government is also planning to partner with over 3,000 RWAs across the city as part of its ongoing 10 Hafte 10 Baje 10 Minute campaign.  

The RWAs, who pledge their support, will be urged to participate in the campaign by carrying out checking in their respective areas, especially the common areas like parking, terrace etc.

The RWAs will also encourage houses under them to maintain a dengue free environment and provide them with information materials like pamphlets and stickers on dengue.

Jasmine Shah said, “Within a short span of 4 years, the number of dengue cases in Delhi has drastically come down by 80% due to continuous efforts made by the Delhi Government. We will reach out to all RWAs across the capital and ensure each and every resident of Delhi joins this campaign.”

Mr Ashutosh Dikshit from URJA said, "We welcome the initiative of the Delhi government to eradicate dengue from the city. From URJA, we will inform as well as exhort all RWAs to come forward and actively participate in this drive. We will advise RWAs and their members to inspect their respective locality and households regularly so that clear water does not pool in the area.”

Mrs Suchita Meena, the General Secretary of Citizens' Alliance, said, “This is the first of its kind experiment in India to eradicate dengue from the city. We all have witnessed the devastating effects of dengue illness but from this time we will be a part of the drive to eradicate Dengue. Without the active participation of the citizens with government, goals cannot be achieved. Therefore, we will mobilise the citizens and make them aware of this campaign."