Dengue declared epidemic in THIS state; fine to be imposed on people violating rules
PTC News Desk: Karnataka, which is experiencing its most severe dengue outbreak in a decade, has declared the disease an epidemic. As part of the measures, the state government will impose penalties if mosquito breeding grounds are not restricted in homes, commercial premises, and construction sites.
The state has seen an increase in dengue cases, with this year's total exceeding 24,500, around 5,000 higher than the total number of cases reported in 2023. The fatalities have been low, but sources say the government wanted to act before the number of deaths increased.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the Karnataka government has declared dengue fever, including severe forms, an epidemic disease in the state under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
In addition to the notification, the government stated: "It shall be the duty of every owner, occupier, builder or other person in charge of any land or building or any place including water tanks, parks, play-ground to take necessary measures to prevent breeding of mosquitoes therein."
The rules allow the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru's municipal corporation, and the deputy commissioners of other districts to inspect residences and other sites to ensure that mosquito breeding prevention measures are followed.
Authorities can impose fines that vary between Rs 400 to Rs 2,000 for any violations found. Non-compliance with rules, such as stagnant water in flower pots or buckets, will result in a fine of Rs 400 in urban areas and Rs 200 in rural areas.
Commercial facilities, including offices, educational institutions, hotels, resorts, shops, malls, cinema halls, puncture repair shops, and plant nurseries, will face fines of Rs 1,000 in urban areas and Rs 500 in rural areas.
Water accumulates in many spots on construction sites, including puddles used to mix cement, and the biggest fines have been designated for them. The penalty is Rs 2,000 in urban areas and Rs 1,000 in rural areas of the state.
- PTC NEWS
