Amid the threat of a "significant increase" in the number of cases of vector-borne diseases in the wake of recent flooding due to Yamuna waters, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on Friday said the civic body was all prepared to combat any such situation. Oberai said AAP MLAs and councillors will go door-to-door to educate people about dengue prevention.
At a press conference, she also said that people should cooperate with dengue breeding checking (DBC) staff when they visit households and warned of penal action in case breeding of larvae is found during the inspection of sites. "The PHED (public health and engineering department) and the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) all prepared to combat vector-borne diseases. Municipal councillors, MLAs and RWAs all stakeholders will work together in this, and I appeal to people to cooperate with our DBC staff as well," she said.
The mayor said, "We don't want to, but challan will be done if violations are found during the inspection of households, construction sites and other places.”
A review meeting was held by the mayor on Friday on the dengue situation, and it was attended by Municipal Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti and heads of various departments.
The Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has cautioned the Kejriwal government to be vigilant about the increasing threat of diseases, especially Dengue and Influenza. He highlights the government's failure in dealing with the challenges posed by monsoons and floods and urges immediate action to address the rising cases of diseases.
Over 160 dengue cases have been reported in the national capital till mid-July this year, the highest for this period since 2018, according to a municipal report released this week. The report issued by the MCD also said that 54 cases of malaria have been recorded in the same period.
There is a possibility of a rise in dengue and malaria cases in the national capital this year due to flooding in several areas, Oberoi had said on Monday. Directions have been issued to departments concerned to take steps to check mosquito breeding and clear silt and sludge left by the Yamuna waters, she said.