Municipal Administration and Urban Development principal secretary, Dana Kishore, has instructed authorities in Hyderabad to take strong actions to prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and other mosquito-borne illnesses. These measures are aimed at protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the community.
Zonal commissioners have been directed to closely monitor all cases of dengue. They are expected to make regular visits to basti dawakhanas (community clinics) and urban primary health centres (UPHCs). Additionally, they must consistently review the situation of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and other vector-borne diseases in coordination with District Collectors (DCs), YSEs, and Assistant Engineers (AEs).
Authorities have also been asked to visit schools, colleges, and hostels to conduct awareness programs on how to prevent dengue. Daily fogging operations from 6 to 9 pm have been recommended, especially in areas where confirmed cases have been reported. Senior entomologists, along with their assistants, are tasked with revisiting 5–6 areas each day for further inspection.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has responded to these directives by launching a special initiative during the monsoon season. The initiative focuses on preventing dengue through anti-larvae operations, which have so far been carried out in 27,608 locations.
These locations include 9,680 locked houses, 767 function halls, 6,157 open areas, 4,635 cellars, 6,370 construction sites, 3,045 schools, 427 colleges, and 554 hostels. Fogging has been conducted in colonies and slums where positive cases of dengue have been reported. Additionally, Door-to-Door Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programs are held every Friday, known as “Dry Day,” in 4,846 colonies.
Awareness programs are also being conducted in residential areas, in collaboration with representatives of resident welfare associations, to educate people about vector-borne diseases. Over 2,751 students from various schools have volunteered and received training on how to fight dengue. The detection of dengue cases is carried out within 4-5 days through the ELISA test, after which preventive measures are promptly taken.
