Karnataka becomes the first State in India to declare Dengue as an Epidemic. It imposes regulations and fines for breeding sites.
Published Sep 03, 2024 | 9:58 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2024 | 9:58 PM
Representative image of a mosquito
Karnataka has become the first state in India to declare dengue an epidemic following 25,408 cases and 12 deaths. The government has enacted strict regulations and penalties to prevent mosquito breeding and control the outbreak, addressing the significant rise in cases.
In its gazette notification, the Karnataka government said, “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of The Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020 (Karnataka Act 26 of 2020), the Government of Karnataka hereby notifies dengue fever, including severe forms of dengue fever, as an epidemic disease in the state of Karnataka.”
While other states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are experiencing high numbers of dengue cases, they have not officially declared it an epidemic. Tamil Nadu reported 11,743 cases and four deaths as of early September 2024, while Kerala had 4,412 cases and 14 deaths. However, these states are actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive measures to manage the outbreak.
The government has also released regulations under Sections 4 and 16 of The Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020 (Karnataka Act 26 of 2020), where people are required to prevent mosquito breeding. Those found allowing space for breeding will be fined accordingly.
The notification states that every person, authority, or institution intending to build a house, multistoried building, or any other structure for any purpose must take measures to prevent mosquito breeding as part of such activity.
Additionally, the owner or occupier of a household, building, construction site, shed, or land must ensure that water storage containers, sumps, or overhead tanks are covered or secured with a lid or any material to prevent mosquito breeding. They must also dispose of solid waste to prevent water accumulation and mosquito breeding.
The owner or occupier of a household, building, shed, or land shall not leave empty vessels, pot saucers, cans, containers, unused tires, parts, or any other solid waste materials in a manner that allows them to retain water, which may cause mosquito breeding.
Furthermore, the owner or occupier of any building or land shall not allow unused tanks, pits, or burrows in the building or land where water is likely to collect and accumulate, potentially leading to mosquito breeding. Every person, institution, or agency must take care to prevent the collection or accumulation of water, both inside and outside the premises, to avoid creating a nuisance for neighbours or the community as a source of mosquito breeding.
The notification also grants competent authorities, such as BBMP, the power to enter and inspect premises, issue directions, and levy penalties as necessary.
The competent authority is empowered to implement remedial measures and guidelines prescribed by the Health & Family Welfare Department to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. They have the authority to inspect lands, buildings, water tanks, parks, and other areas periodically to prevent mosquito breeding.
The authority can enter and inspect any land or building between sunrise and sunset, after giving reasonable notice, to check for conditions that may lead to mosquito breeding. Owners or occupiers must provide access and necessary information during inspections.
If mosquito breeding is found or likely, the competent authority can issue a written notice to the owner or occupier, requiring them to take preventive measures within a specified time (not less than 24 hours). If the owner or occupier fails to comply, the authority may take the necessary actions and recover the costs from the defaulter.
The notification empowers the competent authority or its authorised officers to levy penalties on those who disobey, refuse, or fail to take the measures specified in these regulations. The fines are as follows:
1. Households:
2. Commercial Establishments, Offices, Schools & Colleges, including Residential types, Healthcare Facilities, Restaurants, Hotels, Eateries, Lodges, Resorts, Home stays, Amusement Parks, Malls, Supermarkets, Petty Shops, Tender Coconut Vendors, Factories, Industries, Puncture Repair Shops, Solid Waste Collection Yards, Plant Nurseries, Cinema Theatres, Convention Halls, and similar structures:
3. Active construction sites, abandoned construction sites, and vacant/open sites:
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
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