Karnataka has declared dengue an epidemic and will be fining house and shop owners.
The state has experienced a surge in dengue cases, with the number exceeding 24,500 this year.
Arpit Pattnaik
Karnataka is currently experiencing its worst dengue outbreak in the past ten years, leading to the declaration of the disease as an epidemic. The state government has implemented measures, including imposing penalties for non-compliance with rules aimed at restricting mosquito breeding sites in residential, commercial, and construction areas.
This year, Karnataka has seen a sharp increase in dengue cases, surpassing 24,500, which is nearly 5,000 more cases than the total reported in 2023. Although fatalities have been relatively low, the government is taking preemptive action to prevent an increase in deaths.
In an official statement, the Karnataka government announced the classification of dengue fever, including severe forms, as an epidemic disease in the state under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
As part of the notification, the government stated, "It is the responsibility of every property owner, occupant, builder, or any person in charge of any land or building, including water tanks, parks, and playgrounds, to take necessary measures to prevent mosquito breeding."
Under these rules, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the municipal corporation of Bengaluru, and the deputy commissioner of other districts have been granted the authority to enter residences and other premises to inspect compliance with mosquito breeding prevention measures. Penalties ranging from ₹400 to ₹2,000 can be imposed for any violations.
Homes found to be in violation, including those with stagnant water in flower pots or buckets, will face a fine of ₹400 in urban areas and ₹200 in rural areas.
Commercial establishments, such as offices, schools, hotels, shops, malls, cinema halls, repair shops, and plant nurseries, will be fined ₹1,000 in urban areas and ₹500 in rural areas for non-compliance.
The highest fines are reserved for construction sites, where water accumulation is common. Urban construction sites may face fines of ₹2,000, while rural construction sites may face fines of ₹1,000.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Dengue cases typically spike during the monsoon season.
