Bhatkal: In response to the rising number of dengue cases in Bhatkal and the suspected deaths of two individuals from the disease, the taluk administration has taken swift action to control the spread of dengue. Efforts are currently underway to identify the causes behind the spread of dengue fever.

During a meeting with municipal councilors at the municipal hall, Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina expressed her concerns regarding the discharge of sewage into the river through the pumping station on Ghausia Street. She also held the municipal authorities accountable, stating that the entire city has turned into a dumping ground, and it appears that the authorities are not sufficiently committed to maintaining cleanliness.

Dr. Naina was surprised to learn that if drainage water is not discharged into the Sharabi River, it enters hundreds of wells in Ghausia Street and the surrounding areas. She emphasized that the primary cause of dengue transmission is improper management of drainage, stagnant water, and sewage, all of which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and the diseases currently affecting Ghausia Street.

Taluka Health Officer Dr. Savita Kamath, who was also present at the meeting, pointed out that untreated drainage water entering wells or being released into the river not only causes dengue but also leads to other diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, vomiting, and more. Dr. Kamath expressed concern over the direct discharge of wastewater into the river and stressed the need to prevent it. She highlighted that the solution to the problem lies in addressing drainage issues and ensuring the controlled release of accumulated water, rather than relying solely on neighborhood and household fogging.

بھٹکل: ڈرینیج سسٹم فیل ہونے سے ڈینگی اوردیگر بیماریاں پھیلنے کا خدشہ؛ راستہ کنارے کچرہ پھینکنے والوں کے خلاف اے سی نے کیس درج کرنے کا دیا حکم
To address the drainage problem, Municipal Councilor Qaisar Mohtisham proposed that when three out of the four motors at the pumping station run simultaneously, the 100 HP transformer cannot supply sufficient power and shuts down. Qaiser suggested that a higher HP transformer is required to run at least three motors simultaneously, thus preventing the need to release any water into the river. Acting on this suggestion, the Assistant Commissioner directed the Municipal Chief Officer to promptly submit a written proposal to the concerned Underground Drainage System (UGD) Department and request a report within two days.

Dr. Naina expressed her dissatisfaction with the presence of roadside garbage in Bhatkal and inquired about the number of fines issued by Health Inspector Sujiya Suman. Upon learning that no fines had been imposed and no cases had been filed, Dr. Naina instructed the immediate filing of cases, along with fines, against those who dispose of garbage on roadsides or in open areas. She stressed that at least fifteen such cases should be reported within a month. Dr. Naina emphasized the importance of preventing such practices, as they not only contribute to the spread of diseases but also burden the entire city.

Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina also advised the public not to engage in self-medication when experiencing a fever and urged them to consult a doctor instead. She highlighted that people often rush to pharmacies to obtain fever medication, which can exacerbate the situation when dengue fever is involved. Dr. Naina underscored the importance of seeking medical advice and taking medication under a doctor's guidance. In response, Taluka Health Officer Dr. Savita Kamath mentioned that she had issued instructions to all city pharmacies not to dispense medication without prescriptions, including for fever, headaches, stomachaches, and other ailments.

Present at the meeting were Municipal Chief Officer N. M. Mesta, Municipal Engineer Arvind, Municipal Health Inspector Sujiya Suman, former TMC President Parvez Kashimji, former Vice President Qaisar Mohtisham, Standing Committee Chairman Abdul Azeem, and Councilors Krishnanand Pai, Abdul Rawoof Naitey and Imshad Mukhtasar, among others.