ICEH Papers

ENVIRONMENTAL CARE IN THE CONTROL OF FILARIASIS – A CASE STUDY

Sujatha, Vadrevu. and C.R.Nagendra Rao “Environmental Care In The Control Of Filariasis – A Case Study” in Martin J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health, Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography, University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Pages 529 – 536.

Abstract:

This paper covers the control of filarial disease in rural and slum areas near Rajahmundry city.

The environment consists of both biotic and abiotic components. The abiotic components are contaminated by rapid growth of population, urbanization and industrialization. The urban and industrial centers discharge huge amounts of waste of varying quality and quantity from different sources into the environment. These wastewaters need to be properly handled before final disposal. Improper management of natural waters and wastewaters of this nature could cause health havoc with the spur of diseases like fileria.

The rapid growth of population leads to the establishment of more industries in urban centers of Rajahmundry to provide employment, and also to meet the basic needs of the people. Major environmental conditions like topography of city, uneven surface of land, poor socio-economic conditions of the communities, illiteracy, wastewater stagnation, no proper drainage system in slum areas, improper drainage and sanitation facilities in rural areas, migration of people from rural to urban areas for education, employment and business, low areas in yards and alleys, heavy rains draining into roadside ditches, potted plants, and poorly drained curbs lead to filariasis in the city of Rajahmundry. The migrant people are unable to pay more rent in urban areas so they build houses at unauthorized areas called slums.

The major environmental conditions in slum areas are that the houses are congested, there is no ventilation, no sanitary facilities, no power and no drinking water facilities. Disposal of huge waste in all medias, common toilets that are not properly maintained, and no roads and streetlights, lead to communicable disease like filaria.

This paper covers the peoples’ participation, and activities of certain agencies connected with filaria control.

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