Biswabrata Goswami
MIDNAPORE, 7 NOV: The number of dengue cases in West Midnapore district has now crossed 1200 with over fifty new cases being reported daily in government records. Unofficial sources, however, estimate that the actual numbers are significantly higher. The surge in dengue cases has become particularly alarming during and following the festive season, leading to heightened health risks across the region.
In response to the escalating dengue crisis and to promote health awareness, the Department of Geography at Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College organised a community outreach program at Muradanga village under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiative on 6 November. Supported by the National Service Scheme (NSS), the event gathered over 100 enthusiastic students who engaged residents in activities aimed at preventing dengue and educating on early intervention.
The program began with a lively rally, as students, faculty members, and local representatives marched through the village holding banners and placards displaying dengue prevention messages. The rally, which traveled through key village areas, received strong community support, with villagers pausing to watch and listen to slogans emphasizing cleanliness and early action on dengue symptoms.
Community involvement was significant, with local women and students from Muradanga Primary School joining the march. Key guests included Mrs. Kabita Singh, upapradhan of Kankabati gram panchayat, and Mrs. Basanti Singh, a health worker (Ashakarmi) from Depara Primary Health Centre. Faculty members Mr. Partha Pratim Jana, Mr. Sambhunath Roy, Mr. Subrata Patra, and Ms. Kaberi Murmu were instrumental in organizing the event.
During her address, Kabita Singh highlighted the issue of stagnant water buildup in ponds and drains, resulting from delays in the MGNREGA 100-day work program. She noted that this has not only reduced local employment, particularly for women, but has also contributed to the recent rise in dengue cases.
Following the rally, students took their message door-to-door, talking directly with villagers about simple but essential measures to prevent dengue. They emphasized the importance of clearing stagnant water, using mosquito nets, and covering water containers. Easy-to-understand pamphlets, featuring illustrated tips on dengue prevention, were distributed to ensure the information was accessible to all.
The interactive setup allowed villagers to discuss their concerns directly with the student volunteers. Topics covered included identifying dengue symptoms, when to seek medical help, and which mosquito repellents are effective. Volunteers stressed the importance of early medical intervention to prevent severe cases of dengue.
By the end of the program, it was evident that the awareness drive had made a strong impression on the community. The Geography Department, alongside its committed student volunteers, hopes this initiative will contribute to meaningful improvements in rural health awareness and dengue prevention in the region, one village at a time.
Tags: #Dengue #Muradanga #Midnapore
