Pune: The health department has launched monsoon preparedness measures to prevent water and vector-borne diseases. Water sources will undergo routine testing and chlorine-based disinfection in every village. Vector surveillance will target dengue, malaria and chikungunya by eliminating breeding sites, larval control, targeted spraying in high-risk zones, biological controls and community engagement, officials said.Dr Sandeep Sangle, joint director of Maharashtra health services, in a circular to officials across the state instructed regular inspections of residential institutions and maintenance of adequate medicine stocks and rapid-response systems. Teams will visit ashram schools to audit hygiene, food storage, kitchens and water safety.He said old-age homes, ashram shalas and other residential institutions will be visited to conduct entomological surveys and implement measures to prevent disease outbreaks. An integrated pest management approach will be effectively implemented to curb mosquito breeding. This initiative will involve eliminating mosquito breeding sites, spraying insecticides in high-risk areas, and implementing biological control measures using guppy fish. Citizens will be guided on the use of mosquito nets and repellent creams, as well as the installation of window screens.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has also initiated preparatory measures to curb the outbreak of dengue, malaria, and other vector-borne diseases. The focus will be on identifying high-risk areas, spraying insecticides, training ASHA workers, implementing mosquito-control measures, and raising public awareness.Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer in Pune Municipal Corporation, said, ”We will identify vulnerable and high-risk zones in the city and conduct regular insecticide spraying to prevent mosquito breeding and mitigate the risk of epidemics. ASHA workers will play an active role in the disease control campaign and receive specialized training to identify suspected outbreaks. They will spearhead a drive to detect patients suffering from fever, any suspected cases identified will be immediately referred to PMC hospitals for examination and treatment.”The health department will coordinate with the encroachment, solid waste management, drainage, and building departments. Preventive measures will be implemented effectively through regular liaison with various govt and private organizations. Dr Dighe said that instructions have been issued to ensure an adequate stock of insecticides is available at all zonal offices to prevent a surge in vector-borne diseases during the monsoon.Awareness will be conducted in schools, colleges, housing societies, and public places to educate citizens on preventing epidemic diseases. Health-related measures have been planned to keep vector-borne disease control under control during the monsoon.