4
traced to the restriction of normal inundation, which the multiplication of
embankments tends to cause. The abatement of malaria is perhaps the most
outstanding public health problem in Bengal.
Experiments have been carried on in the colliery area (Singaron-Toposi)
and at Meenglas in the Duars regarding the feasibility of reducing malaria,
where infection is very intense, by removing the anopheles breeding places
within a very limited area. The results were in 1920 largely negative, as
showing that mosquito control to be effective in any locality must be extend-
ed over a large surrounding area, but in 1921 a very satisfactory reduction
of the total death-rate and of infant and malarial-mortality became evident.
The Banka Valley scheme has admittedly improved local agricultural
conditions, which are intimately connected with, the problem of malaria.
It is certain that Government, apart from the narrow limits of its resour-
ces, can do little to reach a solution of the problem without the willing and
energetic co-operation of the people. The Minister accepts Dr. Bentley's
main thesis that since anti-mosquito measures by drainage are impossible in
a province like Bengal, the restrictions on natural inundation, which
destroys the anopheles and at the same time improves agriculture, must so
far as practicable be removed or mitigated. Co-operative irrigation societies
are springing up and these in small areas, while aiming at economic improve-
ment, will directly influence malaria ; local bodies have moreover, shown
their anxiety to restore silted up khals and dying rivers and to bring bheel
areas under cultivation. There is widespread recognition of the toll which
malaria exacts in Bengal, and though the lines of advance are not easily laid
down, the Minister believes that in encouraging local bodies to undertake-
projects (such as the Bhairab scheme now under preparation) carefully framed
so as to provide for the irrigation and inundation of affected areas, the abate-
ment of malaria and the improvement of economic conditions in rural areas will
be secured, and as a result of the latter the persons benefited will find no
difficulty in paying the improvement cess, by means of which the local bodies
recover their expenditure.
8. Kala-azar.—Investigations have been made in 12 districts, and
infection has been discovered in 639 villages or 22.7 per cent. of 2,807
villages, which were surveyed. This dangerous infection is undoubtedly-
widespread, though in a village the number of cases is, generally speaking,
still small. But here and there nests of intense infection are present, as for
example in parts of the 24-Parganas, Jessore, Nadia, Burdwan and certain
other districts. Such foci are reported to be extremely numerous near
Baraset and around the town of Kalna. The Director of Public Health
states that there are at least 50,000 cases of Kala-azar in Bengal, and that.
in 1921 the deaths from this cause cannot have fallen far short of 10,000,
although only 1,552 were actually reported.
9. Asansol Mines Board of Health.—The District Magistrate of
Burdwan is ex officio Chairman of the Board, while the Subdivisional Officer,
Asansol, was elected as Vice-Chairman. In their report of 1920-21, the
Board pointed out that with the rapid growth of non-mining industries, the
Mining Settlements Act was no longer an adequate instrument for the
sanitary administration of the area within their control, and Government
have been asked to replace the Act by one on wider lines dealing with
industrial settlements generally. Government have been fully occupied
during the past year with much important legislation, but it is intended to
take up the question of new legislation for Asansol at a very early date.
Dr. J. W. Tomb, Chief Sanitary Officer, on the expiry of his original
agreement was reappointed for a term of five years. Owing to the increase
of work, six inspection circles were formed out of the five original circles,
and an additional sanitary inspector was appointed.
Under these
inspectors are 13 assistants on small pay, who act also as registrars of
births and deaths. The outdoor staff includes also two mid wives and six
"anti-malarial investigators." an engineering overseer and 18 domes,.
who are posted to the burning ghats recognized by the Board.