Pune Municipal Corporation has intensified inspections at construction sites after dengue cases in the city rose sharply to 662 in September, with more than 600 construction establishments identified as not cooperating with the civic health department.
The list of establishments has been submitted to the municipal construction department. The civic body has warned that construction establishments that fail to implement dengue-prevention measures could face penal action. Notices are issued first when mosquito-breeding conditions are found; if corrective steps are not taken, measures are carried out at the site and fines are imposed under the applicable rules.
Municipal data shows that dengue cases increased from 103 in June to 366 in July, 512 in August and 662 in September. The September figure was about six-and-a-half times the June count, making construction-site water management a priority for the health and civic administration departments.
The municipal insect-control department inspected 226,705 houses and properties across Pune in September, examining 398,930 containers and other objects. Conditions favourable for mosquito breeding were found in 3,348 containers, while 2,412 homes were identified as having conditions that could support mosquito breeding.
The Dhanakwadi-Sahakarnagar area recorded the highest number of affected homes, with mosquito-breeding conditions found in 599 houses and 724 containers. Kondhwa-Yewalewadi recorded 417 such containers, while Kothrud recorded 395. Large-scale construction activity is under way in Kothrud, Nagar Road and Aundh-Baner, where stored water used for curing concrete slabs and water left standing for long periods can create breeding conditions, according to the civic health department.
Assistant Health Officer Rajesh Dighe said dengue cases had been reported in Kothrud and that inspections were being carried out in the affected areas to prevent mosquito breeding. Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavniet Kaur has also held a coordination meeting with different civic departments and directed them to undertake the required dengue-control measures.
The municipal corporation said establishments that do not pay the imposed fines would face further action through the construction department. In September, the civic body issued 402 notices and recovered fines totalling Rs 145,500.
The health department also carried out fogging in 27,759 homes and insecticide spraying in 53,212 homes during the month. Residents have been asked not to allow water to collect in old tyres, paint containers or unused vessels kept on terraces or around homes. They have also been advised to regularly drain water from coolers, refrigerators and air-conditioning systems, and to prevent water accumulation in warehouses, along water pipelines and in objects kept in the open.
