Delhi government makes anti-Dengue plan amidst rain spells

With the torrential rain in the capital, the temperature has cooled and the AQI has improved. However, the rain also brings waterlogging and traffic congestion. Along with this, the risk of Dengue has increased.

The Delhi Government is keeping a close eye on dengue cases in Delhi. Intensifying the efforts given the recent rain spells, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chalked out an anti-dengue action plan on September 24, 2022.

The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials from all concerned departments, including the health department, to discuss the rising number of dengue cases. Moreover, officers and SDMs from all related departments, in addition to the Chief Secretary.

During the meeting, a discussion took place over the implementation of necessary actions to control the rising number of dengue cases as soon as possible. District-level officers were directed to make people aware of the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in their respective areas. Moreover, it was decided that for the prevention of Dengue, cooperation of all RWAs and supervision ongoing construction sites will be sought, and government officials will also keep an eye on their offices

Arvind Kejriwal stated, “This rainy season has lasted for longer than usual; the risk of dengue may rise. In the coming days, many effective initiatives will be taken. A comprehensive plan has been prepared after meeting with officials from the Health Department, MCD, NDMC, and other departments. We will involve school children on a massive scale in dengue prevention."

It was agreed that public participation is required to control dengue cases. To do this, every Delhi resident must make every effort to prevent the spread of dengue at their level. It has been determined that school children will be involved in the awareness campaign. Children in schools will be assigned special homework through which the children will be requested to inspect their homes to ensure that there is no water stagnation.

It was concluded that water logging occurs at construction sites as well, and occasionally employees do not pay attention to it, allowing dengue mosquitoes to breed and workers to become infected. In light of this, directives have been issued to all building sites requiring contractors to ensure that water does not stagnate on their sites or around them. If the water becomes stagnant, then they must clear it or add kerosene or any other oil to prevent mosquito breeding.

The government has invited all RWAs to participate in the awareness campaign. All RWAs have been asked to go door-to-door in their respective areas to raise awareness and encourage people to follow the recommendations to protect their families from dengue.

The DMs, SDMs, Tehsildars, and other officers would visit their respective districts to carefully enforce the dengue prevention programs. During the meeting, CM Arvind Kejriwal directed the employees to rigorously adhere to the dengue prevention measures. Every Saturday, officials will inspect construction sites and hospitals where there is a high likelihood of water logging and will take appropriate measures if the recommendations are not followed by those responsible. In this context, orders have been issued to not allow any form of negligence in hospitals.

The officials said that along with making people aware, compliance with the guidelines is being checked from door to door. People are being instructed on how to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Where there is negligence in compliance with the guidelines, challans are also being issued.

The CM tweeted, “This rainy season has lasted for longer than usual. The risk of dengue may rise. A comprehensive plan was prepared today after meeting with officials from the Health Department, MCD, NDMC, and other departments. In the coming days, many initiatives will be taken. Schoolchildren, in particular, will play an important role in dengue prevention.”

Simultaneously, major activities including perennial anti-larval measures, anti-mosquito measures, breeding source reduction, and ensuring active public participation are being undertaken by the government. Other stakeholders are nominating a nodal person for dengue prevention initiatives in their organisations. The Delhi Jal Board has been directed to ensure regular water supply and prompt cleaning of water bodies, while the I&FC Department has been directed to promptly fix faulty water lines if any.

Action Plan against Dengue

• 35 hospitals have been identified for early diagnosis and supportive treatment.
• Notification of each case is being done.
• Case-based monitoring and quick response are being done by the departments.
• Reporting by government and private health facilities
• Vector management is being done by the departments, in which larval source management and fogging are being done.
• Monitoring, supervision and evaluation are being done at all levels by various organisations.
• Coordination and partnership between various departments of the Delhi Government are being ensured.