BMC launches LED video van campaign for dengue awareness during Rath Yatra festivities

In a proactive effort to curb the spread of dengue and sensitize citizens, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out a series of intensified awareness campaigns, aligning with the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations. Spearheaded under the direction of Hon’ble Mayor Smt. Sulochana Das and BMC Commissioner Sri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, the civic body has introduced innovative outreach measures to engage communities.

Weekly Dry Day Practice and LED Awareness Drive

One of BMC’s long-standing dengue prevention measures—observing a weekly dry day every Thursday across all wards—continues to be a non-negotiable component of the city's health protocol. Building on this, the civic body has launched a modern LED van dedicated to dengue awareness, especially targeting devotees attending Rath Yatra events.

The initiative was formally flagged off by Mayor Sulochana Das on 23rd June. The specially-designed van began operations today, screening five informative videos sourced from the Health Department and the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare (SIHFW). It visited key congregation areas including Jagmara, Kolathia, Patrapada, ISKCON, and Khandagiri, drawing considerable attention from the public.

“This initiative allows us to reach large groups in one go without the need to set up separate awareness camps,” noted a BMC spokesperson, highlighting the effectiveness of mobile video dissemination.

Broader Coverage Ahead

The awareness van is scheduled to cover more Rath Yatra hotspots in the days to come, particularly focusing on high-footfall areas to maximize outreach.

The campaign is being actively monitored and coordinated by a dedicated BMC team led by Additional Commissioner Sri Suvendu Kumar Sahoo and Deputy Commissioners Sri N. Ganesh Babu and Ms. Rashmirekha Amat.

Food Safety Checks Alongside Health Awareness

Parallel to the dengue awareness efforts, BMC’s food safety team has intensified its inspections in areas like Unit 8 and Patia. Officials are checking food stalls and eateries to ensure the safety of food consumed by the public during the festive season. The team is expected to maintain strict vigilance throughout the Rath Yatra days to prevent any food-borne illnesses.