Government Declares Dengue as 'Notifiable Disease' in Karnataka; Fines Imposed for Hygiene Violations

BENGALURU — In response to the rising number of dengue cases in Silicon City, Bengaluru, the Karnataka government has declared dengue a 'notifiable disease' and introduced fines for those failing to maintain cleanliness. This measure is part of a broader effort to control the spread of the mosquito-borne illness.

As of September 3, the Karnataka government has amended the Epidemic Diseases Act of 2020 to include dengue as a notifiable disease. This change was officially announced in the Karnataka Gazette on August 31. Property owners are now required to ensure cleanliness around their homes, vacant lots, and buildings to prevent mosquito breeding. Violations of these regulations will result in fines.

New Regulations Include:

Property owners must take measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
Areas found with stagnant water will receive a notice, and corrective action must be taken within 24 hours.
Owners are responsible for the costs of chemical treatments if their property is found to harbor mosquitoes.
The BBMP and other authorities are tasked with inspecting and ensuring compliance, particularly in open spaces.

Fines for Violations:

A ₹400 fine for violations in residential and commercial properties in urban areas, and ₹200 in rural areas.
Restaurants, hotels, lodges, and other establishments violating the rules face fines of ₹1,000 in urban areas and ₹500 in rural areas.
Open spaces found in violation will incur fines of ₹2,000 in urban areas and ₹1,000 in rural areas.

The decision comes amid increasing dengue cases in Bengaluru, prompting the Health Department to install Ovi-Traps for mosquito control. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated the installation on Magadi Road in Gopalapura on August 26. The new measures aim to curb the spread of dengue by enforcing stricter hygiene standards and imposing financial penalties for non-compliance.