For effective check of the spread of malaria and dengue in the state, Anil Joshi, Local Govt Medical Education Minister has issued directions to all the Urban Local Bodies to ensure regular spray of DDT and fogging etc. in their respective areas. In a communication to the department of Local Government, directions have been issued to ensure proper cleanliness and that water is not accumulating in the cities and that required quantities of DDT and other pesticides/insecticides for fogging are available for such activities. Sh. Joshi has further ordered that the Chief Engineer of the respective zone will pay visits to the cities for surprise checks and that they will be sending a report to the Secretary on regular intervals for the actions taken by them. Sh. Joshi has also appealed to the people of the state to cooperate in the SwachhBharat mission and keep their places and surroundings clean and green for their own good health and that of the community on the whole. The Minister has warned that no laxity will be tolerated and the erring officials will be taken to task. Similarly directions have been issued to the Principals of both Govt Medical Colleges at Amritsar and Patiala to entertain any such patient of malaria and dengue on top priority and to provide them the required medical aid. The required tests should also be made available to the general public. Public awareness campaigns also should be started for proper clothing and against standing water, sleeping under nets and spraying oneself with bug repellent etc.