MC scales up fight against mosquito-borne diseases

Amid the rising risk of vector-borne and water-borne diseases during the monsoon season, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ramped up its public health response across the city. Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma announced a series of preventive and treatment measures to combat diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya and cholera, with a focus on early detection, hospital preparedness and intensified public awareness.

To strengthen medical response, three major civic hospitals —Hindu Rao Hospital, Swami Dayanand Hospital and Kasturba Hospital — have been declared sentinel surveillance hospitals for the treatment of mosquito-borne diseases. Dedicated beds have been allocated: 70 at Hindu Rao, 22 at Swami Dayanand and 75 at Kasturba Hospital. These hospitals have been stocked with essential medicines, IV fluids and platelets, and equipped with 24×7 availability of doctors and technical staff.

In addition to vector-borne diseases, the MCD is also addressing the recent rise in cholera cases, especially in areas where water contamination has been reported. As a preventive measure, the civic body is distributing liquid chlorine and oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets in affected areas. Citizens have been advised to consume only clean drinking water and seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms.

Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh reviewed MCD’s anti-mosquito operations and ongoing public awareness campaigns. So far, the Public Health Department has conducted fogging and anti-larval spraying in over 6 lakh houses — more than double the number covered last year. Mosquito breeding has been detected and destroyed in a significantly higher number of locations, with over 60 per cent more sites treated compared to the previous monsoon.

The Mayor has urged citizens to cooperate with MCD field staff, especially breeding checkers, and allow inspections of their premises. “Mosquito breeding must be eliminated at the source. Preventing water stagnation in and around homes is the key,” he said. The MCD also warned that negligence by field workers will not be tolerated — one staff member has already been terminated for dereliction of duty.

The MCD leadership has appealed to residents to maintain cleanliness, check stagnant water and report early symptoms of fever or gastrointestinal illness. Engagements with RWAs, market associations, schools and inter-departmental teams are ongoing to strengthen the collective response against seasonal diseases.

Delhi