Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 4: The number of dengue cases is rising across the state, prompting the Karnataka government to officially declare dengue as an epidemic.

The government has issued a gazette notification, amending the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, to classify dengue as an epidemic. This notification is applicable statewide and includes stringent measures to control dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

According to the new rules, all property owners, builders, and those responsible for any premises—including land, buildings, water tanks, gardens, and playgrounds—are required to take necessary steps to prevent mosquito breeding. It is mandatory to ensure that water storage containers, sumps, and overhead tanks are covered. Solid waste must be disposed of properly, and items that can collect water, such as empty containers, cans, unused tires, and other objects, must be removed. The state government has made it compulsory to manage unused tanks, pits, or any other water-stagnation areas to prevent mosquito breeding.

The amendment gives the competent authority, including the BBMP chief commissioner in Bengaluru and district commissioners in other areas, the power to inspect properties, issue notices, and enforce compliance with the regulations.

Officials of this authority can conduct inspections at any time during the day, with prior notice. Property owners or those responsible can be directed to take immediate action to eliminate mosquito breeding through physical, chemical, or biological methods. If the individual fails to comply within the specified time, authorities are empowered to take the necessary steps themselves.

Fines will be imposed for non-compliance based on the type of property and location. Urban households will face a fine of Rs 400, while rural households will be fined Rs 200 for non-compliance. Commercial establishments such as offices, schools, colleges, health facilities, hotels, and other places in urban areas will be fined Rs 1,000, while those in rural areas will be fined Rs 500. Active or abandoned construction sites and vacant lots in urban areas will incur a fine of Rs 2,000, and in rural areas, Rs 1,000.

These fines will be enforced in areas under the jurisdiction of BBMP and Mangaluru City Corporation. Additionally, if negligence continues after a notice is issued, an additional fee of 50% of the total fine amount will be levied for each subsequent week of violation. The responsibility of imposing and collecting these fines lies with the authority or its designated officers to ensure strict adherence to the regulations and to curb the spread of dengue in Karnataka.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and sometimes bleeding and vomiting. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but preventive measures like emptying and cleaning open water containers weekly, covering them, and ensuring that items like discarded coconut shells and tea glasses do not collect water can help prevent mosquito breeding and control the spread of dengue.