Pune civic body sends notices to over 1,000 construction sites as dengue cases rise

Given the rising number of dengue patients in Pune city, the Pune Municipal Corporation has stressed preventive measures. Notices have been sent to more than 1,000 construction sites to curb the spread of dengue. Standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale gave the information.

The corporation's meeting reviewed several issues related to health and water supply. According to Bhimale, the meeting stressed better coordination among the health department, the insect control department, the corporation's hospitals and doctors to bring dengue under control. Insecticide spraying, fogging and the dengue survey work in the city were also reviewed. Bhimale said that to spread awareness about dengue prevention, correct information needs to reach people through pamphlets and other publicity channels.

Monitoring of construction sites will be stepped up. To stop dengue mosquitoes from breeding, regular inspection and cleaning of water that collects at construction sites is necessary. For this reason, notices have been issued to more than 1,000 sites. Compliance with the rules at these places will be watched, and action will be taken as per the rules wherever negligence is found.

The issue of the city's water shortage was also raised at the meeting. The need to control water use at swimming pools, vehicle washing centres and construction work was put forward. It was said that these establishments and construction projects must be made to follow the rules strictly to stop water wastage. The meeting also discussed that the responsibility for water supply, sewage treatment plants (STPs) and other basic facilities in large housing projects, including Godrej, in the Mhalunge and PMRDA areas lies with the builders and the authorities concerned.

A demand for action against tanker drivers was also made at the meeting. Steps were sought against tanker drivers who exploit the water shortage in the merged villages and rural areas to sell water at inflated prices. Measures discussed included imposing double the fine on drivers who sell water for around Rs 700 or more and those who break the rules, cancelling the tenders concerned, and blacklisting errant drivers. Bhimale said the aim of these measures is to give relief to people and to prevent irregularities in water supply.