New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) With the number of dengue cases in the capital crossing the 1,200 mark, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will launch a week-long sanitation and cleanliness drive Monday to control mosquito breeding and the spread of the disease, an official said.

'The drive is aimed to control the breeding of mosquitos responsible for the spread of dengue. Various departments like sanitation, horticulture have been directed to participate in the removal of garbage, debris and water receptacles,' MCD Commissioner K.S. Mehra said.

He blamed the intermittent rains for causing favourable breeding conditions for mosquitos.

He also appealed to the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, parents-teachers associations and other social welfare groups to participate in the drive.

'Strict directions are given to the public health officials to intensify anti-larval and fogging activities in the areas cleaned during the drive,' Mehra informed.

The MCD also announced an award for officials who succeed in bringing the breeding of mosquitoes in their respective areas to zero level.