JOIN USEven before the monsoon could arrive, the state recorded 1,000 dengue cases, of which 313 were reported in Bengaluru since January.
The mosquito-control initiatives, taken by the city's health authorities to curb the viral infection, are also proving ineffective.
Dr Mohammed Sharif, research officer, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, said the maximum cases of dengue are reported from the BBMP areas, despite rigorous control measures that seem to have no impact.
"The state government reported 17,000 dengue cases last year, of which 7,000 was from the city," Dr Sharif said.
He claimed that the gangmen assigned to spray and fog the larvicides are tasked with other Palike works. "There are 600 odd gangmen. During our inspection, we found that they haven't been used effectively," Dr Sharif said.
Each gangman should visit houses, identify mosquito-breeding areas and spray the larvicide, but in most places, they were seen spraying the streets and footpaths. The workers are not informed on spotting the breeding ground and using the spray on them.
Dr Sharif also said the co-ordination meeting had been postponed due to the elections, but the chief secretary would soon convene the meeting of all nodal officers.
BBMP chief health officer H N Lokesh hailed the effective surveillance mechanism for the rise in the number of reported cases. "Bengaluru's population is much higher than the other districts," Lokesh said. "Moreover, the city has 500 health centres, which naturally results in higher reportage."
Asserting that the BBMP has been diligent in fogging and spraying, he said two to three gangmen are deputed in each ward for the task. "Last year, the civic body allocated Rs 13 crore for the mosquito-control programme. We're yet to finalise the proposal," Dr Lokesh said.