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Lately, there have been banner headlines and articles on the so called 'Dengue epidemic'.

First of all, is there conclusive proof that this is really a 'Dengue Epidemic'?. Theories abound and it may be very convenient to keep blaming this poor "Anopheles" each time a mysterious fever rages around. Why I say this is, just look at the rivers, lakes, lagoons and waterways, the beaches, the drains and the rubbish dumps, then one will understand that there may be more to it than meets the eye! For instance, look at the Negombo Lagoon, The Bolgoda Lake, The Beire Lake and the Attidiya Marshes, to mention but a few places which are stagnant and highly contaminated.

I challenge the Chairmen of the local authorities to just get out of their air conditioned offices and luxury vehicles, walk around their areas of jurisdiction and look at the drains, the streams, the waterways and rubbish dumps and first of all organise a 'Clean Up Campaign', mustering all the work force in their 'Councils' and even the general public who are willing and able, to clear these potential sources of disease and epidemics. They should then continue on a regular basis to inspect these places and ensure that they are maintained in a clean and hygenic condition.

This is only the short term answer to the problem! Now that there is a Congenial and public-spirited Minister of Environment, which is the most crucial and central pivot in harnessing the governmental organisations and ministries that are responsible for ensuring the maintenance of a 'Clean environment'. He should not waste any time in co-ordinating these ministries in playing their part in this whole exercise. For instance, the Ministry of Education - in educating the public, starting with schoolchildren, on the importance of maitaining a Hygenic Environment. The Interior Ministry - in maintaining an environment free from air and noise pollution by road traffic.

The Ministry of Tourism - in maintaining clean beaches and areas of Tourist attractions. The Ministry of Local Government in ensuring that all local authorities maintain clean drains and waterways and collect and dispose of garbage, effectively and productively and of course, the Ministry Of Health in imposing measures for the prevention and cure of diseases, especially those that can reach epidemic proportions.

There are missives being sent by Deputy Leader of the UNP and The Minister of Health to the Chairmen of Local Government Councils and Political Leaders, respectively, to join in the battle against dengue, but is this enough?

should there not be penalties against those who do not conform? Should not the Chairmen of the Local Councils be charged first for not cleaning up the drains, waterways and garbage dumps, before charging private house owners for not cleaning up their premises?

Unless a plan of action is instituted very soon by the Government with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources at the helm, we can forget the rhetoric and the well meaning media coverage which will soon be forgotten, to be raised again and again in moments of crisis, which may easily have been averted with a concerted effort by all concerned. - Desmond Z. De Silva

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