Delhi has recorded 695 dengue cases this year, prompting the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to intensify anti-mosquito measures, increase inspections and prepare for higher-risk locations during the festive season.
MCD Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma directed the civic body’s public health department to maintain adequate stocks of insecticides, medicines and other essential supplies. Officials have also been asked to organise regular fogging around temples and Ramlila venues, which are expected to attract large crowds, along with anti-larval treatment and sanitation drives in vulnerable areas.
According to the MCD’s latest vector-borne disease report, 98 fresh dengue cases were recorded in the week ending October 3 and 104 cases in the week leading up to October 10. Delhi reported 286 cases in September, compared with 260 during the same month last year. October recorded 377 cases last year.
At a review meeting with public health officials on October 9, Sharma instructed multi-tasking staff and domestic breeding checker employees to conduct regular door-to-door inspections. The teams are expected to identify mosquito-breeding sites and ensure that corrective action is taken promptly.
“Negligence in inspection work would not be tolerated and greater public awareness about preventive measures is required,” Sharma said, according to the report. She also directed officials to carry out fogging and anti-larval spraying in affected and vulnerable areas.
MCD data shows that its teams inspected 3.3 crore premises for mosquito-breeding conditions this year, compared with 3.1 crore premises last year. Of the premises inspected, 1.9 lakh were found positive for mosquito breeding, down from 2.1 lakh in 2025.
The city has recorded 294 malaria cases until October 12, including 28 cases reported in the previous week. This compares with 494 cases during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the report.
Sharma said special sanitation measures were required around religious places and Ramlila venues during the festive season. “Regular inspections, timely fogging, adequate supplies and coordination among departments are essential to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases,” she said. “These can be tackled only when staff spray insecticides and take preventive measures on the ground on a war footing.”
The meeting also reviewed the demand for equal pay by MTS employees. Sharma sought details from officials on the progress of the matter and the action taken so far.
