Residents complain about inaction in fighting dengue

Ludhiana: With dengue cases increasing each day, and the total reaching 965 so far this year, residents have been regularly complaining about no preventive action being taken by officials. Though officials claim they have been taking preventive action, positive cases are being reported on a daily basis. Hospitals are almost full, and many even close admission when no beds are available.

Municipal health officer Dr Vipul Malhotra said: “We are doing challaning and fogging on a regular basis. All preventive measures are being taken everyday.” District epidemiologist Dr Ramesh Kumar said: “We are regularly going to the fields from where larvae of mosquitoes are found, and action is taken immediately to kill them. But residents themselves have to take preventive measures, like making sure there is no stagnant fresh water around them, or applying mosquito repellent creams.”

Dugri resident Harman Singh said: “Every year, dengue cases have been increasing, and still no solid and firm action is taken in advance. Even for fogging, we call the authorities ourselves at times.” Model Town resident Satinder Kaur said: “Some strong action needs to be taken. From every family, almost one or two people are down with dengue fever. If fogging is done regularly, then why are dengue cases increasing every day?”