Civic bodies to intensify vector check for monsoon

New Delhi: Civic bodies in Delhi have been asked to intensify anti-mosquito breeding drives across the city, with a focus on labour camps, schools, clubs and vacant areas.The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union health minister JP Nadda on Wednesday as part of efforts to strengthen preventive measures against vector-borne diseases during the monsoon.Delhi has reported fewer vector-borne disease cases this year compared to the corresponding period in the previous two years. However, officials stressed the need for preparedness and a proactive public health response.Till the end of June, the city recorded 181 dengue cases, compared to 201 cases during the same period in 2025 and 223 cases in 2024. Till June 27, Delhi reported 39 dengue cases, against 43 cases in all of June 2025 and 49 cases in June 2024.Malaria cases have also declined, with 49 cases reported so far in 2026 compared to 83 cases in 2025 and 72 cases in 2024. Till June 27, the city recorded 12 malaria cases, against 22 cases in June 2025 and 29 cases in June 2024.Similarly, 11 chikungunya cases were reported till June 27 this year, compared with 16 cases during the same period in 2025 and 22 cases in 2024.An MCD official said, “We have directed staff to strengthen surveillance for early detection of cases.”

MCD has claimed that its staff made 1.8 crore visits to houses and complexes in Delhi this year and found 44,625 sites that had mosquito-genic conditions. It has also issued legal notices in 41,195 cases. The civic body has issued challans in 1,291 cases amounting to Rs 3.2 lakh.The minister also instructed hospitals and healthcare facilities to remain prepared by ensuring adequate stocks of medicines, diagnostic facilities, blood components, hospital beds and trained healthcare personnel. Calling preventive measures critical, authorities have been directed to intensify source reduction of mosquito breeding sites, fogging and other public health interventions.