Dengue causing mosquitoes are on the prowl in the national capital. Two deaths have been reported while Delhi has recorded a total of 675 dengue cases from 1 January to 10 September. These are just reported cases. Many go unreported.
In the face of a growing threat from vector-borne diseases, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ramped up its efforts to combat the surge of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases. Officials said a 54-year-old man died of dengue at Lok Nayak Hospital last week. Another person collapsed from the disease at Safdarjung Hospital. Even though doctors have recorded that the intensity of infections is low, sharp increases in cases can be expected this monsoon due to the increased rainfall in Delhi.
To tackle this health crisis, the MCD has conducted an extensive survey, reaching over 2.59 crore households. During these visits, officials identified and eradicated mosquito breeding sites in 1,56,932 homes. The civic body has also sprayed and fogged over 4.20 lakh residences with insecticides to target adult mosquitoes.
“We are dedicated to safeguarding the residents of Delhi from vector-borne diseases through comprehensive action,” stated an MCD spokesperson. “Many rooftops, balconies, and courtyards were discovered to be holding stagnant water, which needs immediate attention from homeowners.”
In addition to regular spraying and fogging, the MCD has introduced larvivorous fish at 213 clean water sites as a biological control measure. Special operations have been conducted in high-risk areas such as police stations, construction sites, and public parks. Noteworthy fogging initiatives have also taken place around religious sites and during public events.
The MCD has facilitated 28 coordination meetings with key stakeholders including the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Police, and various municipal departments to ensure a unified approach to disease control. Schools are actively involved as well, with teachers trained to prevent mosquito breeding on school grounds.
Looking forward, the MCD plans to escalate its fogging and spraying activities during peak seasons and major public events. Increased anti-larval operations will be prioritized, and legal measures such as notices, challans, and administrative penalties will be enforced against persistent offenders.
Under the Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases Bye-Laws of the DMC Act, the MCD has already issued 97,397 legal notices, 32,384 challans, and 7,929 administrative penalties. Furthermore, police complaints will be lodged against repeat offenders to ensure compliance and protect public health.
