Dengue break ahead of CWG: Gill says it's under control

NEW DELHI: Amid mounting international concern over dengue outbreak here ahead of the Commonwealth Games, sports minister M S Gill, said the matter was discussed at the cabinet meeting on Thursday and that no country should worry about dengue.

“Nobody should be frightened about dengue. It is under control. Yes, we discussed it in the cabinet meeting and the Prime Minister was briefed about the steps being taken . The Central and state governments are doing their best. It’s (dengue) receding . It’s rained more than normal this season so puddles and pools have formed. We have taken adequate care,” he said.

The minister said the 12,000 athletes and officials should come to India full of enthusiasm. They should stop worrying about dengue. “We have taken special care of health and security issues. My only worry is that too much security should not discourage fans from coming to the stadia ,” he added. He also allayed fears over the athletics track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. “The track has been covered with special pads. It should be fine for competition.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit, meanwhile, said the Army’s help has been sought to drain out water from the vicinity of Games Village and fog the area to prevent mosquito breeding. “The Lt Governor has asked the army to help drain out water in and around the Games Village and in spraying mosquito repellent,” Dikshit told PTI. She said the agencies concerned are working very hard to contain rising cases of dengue in the city.