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Bengaluru, September 4, 2024 — The Karnataka government has officially declared dengue fever, including its severe forms, as an epidemic disease across the state. This decisive move was made through an amendment to the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Regulations, 2020, reflecting the growing concern over the rising cases of dengue in the region.
The notification, issued on Tuesday, grants extensive powers to authorities across Karnataka to enforce preventive measures and impose penalties for violations of dengue control guidelines. These powers, previously limited to civic agencies in Bengaluru and Mangaluru, are now extended statewide.
Under the amended regulations, households found to harbor mosquito breeding sites will face fines of ₹400 in urban areas and ₹200 in rural areas. The penalties are more severe for commercial establishments, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and other public spaces, with fines of ₹1,000 in urban and ₹500 in rural areas. The highest fines are reserved for active and abandoned construction sites, as well as vacant lands, where mosquito breeding is detected—₹2,000 in urban areas and ₹1,000 in rural areas.
The regulations authorize Deputy Commissioners and other designated officers to levy and collect these penalties. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that the primary aim of this notification is to encourage proactive participation from the public in dengue prevention.
“Until now, people were urged to take preventive measures on their own. With this notification, we have empowered Deputy Commissioners as competent authorities to enforce these guidelines and impose fines where necessary,” said Minister Rao. “Our goal is to contain dengue cases, which have shown some fluctuation in numbers daily.”
The Minister also highlighted that while the state has seen some control over the disease, the ongoing rainy season presents a continued risk, necessitating these stringent measures. He reassured the public that the authorities would issue warnings before imposing fines, aiming to foster cooperation rather than punitive action.
“There is no intention to suddenly impose fines on people. Our officers will first issue warnings, and only if the violations persist will fines be enforced,” he explained. “Effective control of dengue requires public cooperation, and these measures are in place to ensure that the disease is tackled at its root—by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.”
Additionally, Minister Rao mentioned that the cost of dengue treatment remains affordable, with free treatment available to the public. The government has also set fixed rates for laboratory testing, ensuring that essential diagnostic services are accessible.
The notification marks a significant step in Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to combat dengue fever, reflecting the state government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through robust regulatory measures and community engagement.
