The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has initiated a set of urgent measures to curb the spread of the disease and manage the outbreak. As dengue cases continue to rise across the city, the BBMP is ramping up its efforts to prevent further transmission, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and promoting public awareness.
The Chief Commissioner of BBMP, Tushar Giri Nath, addressed a virtual meeting where he stressed the need for immediate action in response to the current spike in dengue cases.
As monsoon rains begin to make their presence felt in the city, the BBMP is on high alert. Water stagnation, a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes, is one of the primary factors exacerbating the spread of dengue. To address this, BBMP has called for enhanced surveillance and stringent action to ensure that waterlogged areas are cleared without delay. Giri Nath emphasised the need for a coordinated effort across multiple departments, including Health, Horticulture, and Storm Water Drain, among others, to tackle this issue head-on. These departments will work together to identify waterlogging spots, clear breeding grounds, and implement fogging and insecticide spraying in affected zones.
The urgency is compounded by the growing number of reported dengue cases. Figures released by BBMP show that the number of dengue cases in Bengaluru has increased significantly over the past few years. In 2022, the city recorded 2,335 cases, but by 2023, that number had jumped to 11,136. As of March 31, 2024, a staggering 15,282 cases have already been reported. The year 2025 has already seen 329 cases in the first three months, which highlights the need for swift and decisive action. In an effort to control the outbreak, BBMP has decided to set up fever clinics in high-risk areas. These clinics will serve as important centres for diagnosis and early intervention. Furthermore, a system of penalties will be enforced on individuals or property owners failing to maintain hygiene in vacant plots or construction sites, both of which have been identified as key breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Additionally, BBMP will appoint nodal officers for each of the city’s zones to ensure effective monitoring. These officers, along with eight entomologists assigned to specific zones, will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of anti-dengue measures. By ensuring that every zone has a dedicated officer, the BBMP hopes to streamline its response and provide more focused attention to areas with higher dengue cases. The state government has also committed to providing the necessary dengue testing kits to support these efforts. Last year, the BBMP imposed fines amounting to ₹24 lakh on violators who failed to prevent mosquito breeding on their properties. With the continuing rise in cases, the BBMP plans to intensify its penalties and enforcement actions. The increased coordination among departments and the dedicated monitoring will be crucial in preventing the further spread of the disease. The public, too, will be asked to contribute by adhering to cleanliness protocols and staying vigilant against water stagnation.
This multi-departmental approach reflects the urgent need to address public health crises like dengue in rapidly growing urban centres like Bengaluru. The rise in cases, though concerning, has prompted swift action by BBMP, which is now focusing on ensuring that this outbreak does not spiral out of control. The city’s residents are being urged to work together with the authorities to curb the spread of the disease and to stay informed about preventive measures. As Bengaluru navigates this health challenge, the lessons learned from past outbreaks and the current efforts to combat dengue could serve as a model for other urban centres facing similar risks. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the city’s ability to engage its residents in dengue prevention and on the cooperation between various departments to implement effective, timely interventions.
Bengaluru Takes Action to Combat Rising Dengue Cases
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