Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Saturday warned that Thiruvananthapuram faces a high risk of a dengue outbreak if garbage removal and sanitation work is not carried out effectively by the city corporation.
Responding to reporters' queries on the UDF's reported plan to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Muraleedharan said it would not be appropriate for him, as a minister, to comment on the political developments.
However, he said the state government's immediate concern was the Corporation's waste management and sanitation efforts rather than political issues.
"We have received official reports that if waste is not removed promptly, the strengthening monsoon could trigger a dengue outbreak that may go out of control. There is also the possibility of deaths due to the disease," he said.
The minister said that while all state departments were working together to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, the Corporation, which should be taking the lead in sanitation measures, had failed to do so adequately.
"Waste removal should not be affected for any reason. It is a matter that must be taken very seriously," he said.
Muraleedharan said he had spoken to the Mayor and the District Collector regarding the issue and made it clear that the government would not compromise on public health.
"This should not be viewed through a political lens," he said.
The minister also said vacancies in the Health Department have come to the government's notice, and directions have been issued to the Director of Health Services to take appropriate steps to fill them.
He added that the process of appointing District Medical Officers was also underway and the list of appointments would be released soon.
