Karnataka is currently facing its worst dengue outbreak in a decade and has officially declared the disease an epidemic. To combat the spread, the state government has announced that penalties will be imposed if regulations aimed at preventing mosquito breeding are not followed in residential properties, commercial establishments, and construction sites.
The state has reported a sharp increase in dengue cases, with over 24,500 cases recorded this year—almost 5,000 more than the total number of cases reported throughout 2023. Although the number of fatalities has remained relatively low, officials have expressed concern and are taking proactive measures to prevent an increase in deaths.
On Tuesday, the Karnataka government declared dengue fever, including severe cases, an epidemic under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
The notification mandates that every property owner, occupier, builder, or person responsible for any land, building, or space, such as water tanks, parks, and playgrounds, must take appropriate steps to prevent mosquito breeding.
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The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru’s municipal corporation, and district deputy commissioners are authorized to inspect properties to ensure compliance with these rules.
If violations are discovered, fines ranging from ₹400 to ₹2,000 can be imposed. For residential properties failing to comply—such as allowing water to stagnate in flower pots, buckets, or any area within the premises—the fine is ₹400 in urban areas and ₹200 in rural areas.
Commercial establishments, including offices, educational institutions, hotels, resorts, shops, malls, cinemas, puncture repair shops, and plant nurseries, will face fines of ₹1,000 in urban areas and ₹500 in rural areas.
Construction sites, which often have stagnant water in places like cement mixing puddles, are subject to the highest penalties, with fines of ₹2,000 in urban areas and ₹1,000 in rural areas.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted primarily by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Dengue cases typically surge during the monsoon season.
