Karnataka Notifies Dengue An 'Epidemic'; Issues Stringent Guidelines, Penalties
As Karnataka continues to battle the dengue crises, which has hit the state worst, the government today notified the disease an epidemic and made regulations to amend the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Regulations 2020.
The outbreak in the state is reported to be the worst in a decade, with at least 24,521 cases documented as of Thursday. The viral disease has so far claimed 12 lives in the state this year. Banlguru has been the epicentre, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) zone alone has reported 11,219 cases, while 32 others hospitalised.
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Stringent Measures To Contain The Spread
The release by the government has issued dengue prevention guidelines and penalties. The preventive measures include covering water storage containers, disposing of solid waste properly, and ensuring that potential mosquito breeding sites, such as empty vessels and containers,.
The release directs owners and occupiers of buildings or land not to accumulate water that could turn into a source for mosquito breeding. They also have to secure water tanks, cover open containers, and eliminate any potential sources where water can accumulate. The direction applies to both public and private properties.
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The government has also introduced penalties for violators of its directions and ensured compliance. Households will be charged Rs 400 in urban areas and Rs 200 in rural areas. Commercial establishments, offices, schools, restaurants, lodges, colleges, etc. will be charged Rs 1,000 in urban areas and Rs 500 in rural areas, according to the release. In addition, active construction sites, abandoned sites, and vacant plots would be fined Rs 2,000 in urban areas and Rs 1,000 in rural areas.
The government is aiming to contain the spread of dengue with stringent measures as the virus poses a threat to the very lives of people.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said 7,362 dengue cases have been registered till now this year. “12 people have died. 10 beds in a ward must be allotted at every hospital for dengue cases,” adding that free mosquito nets must be provided to slum residents to avert the outbreak.
Due to the surge in the number of diseases, the government had in July established ‘Dengue War Rooms’ across the state, enhancing the monitoring and management of dengue cases to mitigate the impact of the disease.
