Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prosecuted 279 housing societies, workplaces, high-rises, etc. for failing to prevent breeding of dengue breeding sites in their premises this monsoon season. Amongst 279, a small percentage is also of individual households, which had dengue patients and breeding sites were found when health officials from the civic body inspected their houses.
The spread of dengue across the city has compelled the BMC to expand its dengue control measures and also strengthen its information, education communication (IEC) programmes.
“We have repeatedly found out that majority of breeding sites are being found in the high-rises, the
non slum areas. In the last week, 80 per cent of breeding sites were indoors in high-rises, this week again the same stood at 60 per cent. Our first choice is not to prosecute, but it is something that ought to be done now,” said additional municipal commissioner, Manisha Mhaiskar.
“We have also expanded our IEC programme and introduced new methods to spread awareness as to how to control and fight dengue,” she added.
If prosecuted, a case is filed in the metropolitan magistrate’s office, and a fine of `2,000-`5,000 is slapped.