Pics and inputs by Arun Uppinangady

Puttur, May 31: A large number of malaria cases have been reported from Nekkiladi and Uppinangady primary health centre limits in the last few days.

Sources said that a large number of labourers are working for hydro-electric power project at Berike near Neerakatte in Bajattur village who are suffering from malaria these days. Already 7 Malaria cases have been reported at Uppinangady health centre. Out of them, 5 are labourers are working for the hydro-electric power project. The labourers are from Andhra Pradesh and locals here complained that these migrant labourers are spreading malaria in the area.

A total of 600 labourers are working for the hydro-electric power project. Among them, about 300 have left the work at the onset of monsoons. Among the remaining labourers, about 90 per cent are suffering from fever now.

In Nekkilady near Uppinangady a vented dam construction is under progress. Most of the labourers working here are from Andhra Pradesh. Out of them, a few are suffering from malaria now. But, the initiatives taken by Dr Shashikala, the health officer of Uppinangady primary health centre have helped in controlling malaria to a large extent.

Locals say that right at the beginning of the monsoons, the taluk has been witnessing number of malaria cases.  Unless the health department takes some initiatives, it will be a menace in the coming days.