Monsoon brings refreshing rains, but with it also brings waterborne and vector-borne diseases. What precautions should we take at our personal level?  Likewise what crucial precautions should the Municipal Corporations (ULBs) take to ensure sound Public Health at community level?

Let’s break down the responsibilities on both fronts – what you can do and what ULBs should focus on.

What YOU Can Do: Personal-Level Precautions

Keep stagnant water at bay

Why	Mosquitoes, especially those that spread malaria and dengue, breed in standing water.
What to do	Regularly empty containers, pots, and any water-holding items around your home. Don’t forget those sneaky spots like rooftop gutters!

Boil or filter drinking water

Why	Water contamination is common during monsoons, leading to diseases like cholera and typhoid.
What to do	Always boil your drinking water or use a good-quality filter. If you’re traveling or can’t boil water, stick to bottled water from trusted sources.

Watch what you eat

Why	Unhygienic food can be a breeding ground for germs that cause typhoid, hepatitis A, and more.
What to do	Stick to home-cooked meals and avoid street food during the rainy season. Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly, and peel them when possible.

Hand hygiene is everything

Why	Germs spread fast when hygiene is poor, especially in the monsoon.
What to do	Wash your hands often, especially before meals and after using the restroom. A small bottle of hand sanitizer can be your best friend!

Be aware of symptoms

Why	Early detection of symptoms can prevent serious illness.
What to do	Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Better safe than sorry!

Skin care is essential

Why	The damp monsoon weather can lead to fungal infections.
What to do	Keep your skin dry and avoid wearing damp clothes for long periods. A little bit of talcum or antifungal powder can go a long way in keeping infections at bay.

Avoid recreational water bodies

Why	River, stream and lake water can be contaminated after heavy rains, carrying harmful pathogens.
What to do	Avoid swimming or other water activities during or after rainfall.

 

What the Municipal Corporations Should Focus On: Community-Level Solutions

Tackle Sewage Overflows

Why it matters	Heavy rains often lead to sewage overflows, contaminating streets and water sources.
ULB Action	Ensure proper repairs, maintenance and de-blocking of sewerage systems before monsoon. Plan ahead to reduce waterlogging.

Regular Water Quality Testing

Why it matters	Clean drinking water is essential to prevent diseases like cholera and giardiasis.
ULB Action	Frequent testing of drinking water quality, especially after heavy rainfall.  Notify residents of any contamination risks. Quick repairs of broken pipelines are also a must to prevent sewage from seeping into the water supply.

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Why it matters	Flooded streets and waterlogging create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and water contamination.
ULB Action	Plan and invest in more drainage coverage across the cities. Ensure regular cleaning of drains to prevent blockages.

Raise Public Awareness

Why it matters	Many people are not aware of the risks of monsoon related diseases or how to prevent them.
ULB Action	Run public awareness campaigns that inform people about boiling water, avoiding stagnant water, and maintaining proper hygiene. Community participation helps greatly in preventing diseases outbreaks.

Manage Garbage Disposal

Why it matters	Piles of garbage can worsen waterlogging and attract disease-carrying pests.
ULB Action	Ensure timely and proper garbage collection, especially during the monsoon season, to avoid overflow and blockage of drains.

Fix Urbanization-Related Water Problems

Why it matters	Cities with more concrete and fewer natural drainage areas are prone to waterlogging and contamination.
ULB Action	Work on urban planning to incorporate more green spaces and permeable surfaces that allow water to be absorbed naturally, reducing waterlogging and contamination risks.

Mosquito Control Initiatives

Why it matters	Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue thrive in urban areas with stagnant water.
ULB Action	Implement large-scale fumigation drives and mosquito control measures in areas prone to waterlogging. Educate the public on preventing mosquito breeding around homes.

 

The Bottom Line: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Taking care of your health during the monsoon starts at home. ULBs play an important role to ensure the community to be safe by planning ahead and taking immediate measures.

Let us all enjoy the rains without the worry of falling ill!