8 dengue cases reported in city in last 10 days
2
Bhubaneswar: As the monsoon entered the state, dengue started making its presence felt in the capital city. Eight dengue cases were reported from the city in the last 10 days, taking the total number of cases to 23 from Jan 1 this year.
Out of these, five cases were reported from the biggest slum of the state, Salia Sahi, and two cases each from Lingaraj Temple area and Sailashree Vihar.
To tackle this, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the health department started awareness drives and source reduction exercises across the city. Additional district urban public health officer (ADUPHO) Nilamani Senapati said they started awareness drives in hotspot areas like Salia Sahi to sensitise people about this vector-borne disease.
"We asked for funds from BMC to deploy volunteers for the awareness programme," he added.
He said an anti-larval team comprising three members was deployed in each ward to reduce the sources of breeding of Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue. "We will sensitise schools and other educational institutions about destroying these breeding sources," he added.
This year's monsoon is favourable for dengue due to the nature of rain and the humidity associated with it.
"We saw that abandoned materials on rooftops of people are creating breeding sources of mosquitoes apart from indoor sources. People should try to clean their rooftops so that the abandoned materials do not store rainwater," he added.
"A sudden spike in dengue cases can be seen in Bhubaneswar after cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru report large number of cases. Odias staying there come home for affordable treatment in the state and stay among their relatives for better emotional support. Then the number of dengue cases increases here," said Senapati.
Last year, 9,892 dengue cases were reported in the state against 12,845 cases in 2023. So far, Odisha reported 76 dengue cases this year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
17 hours ago
- India Today
As Mumbai shuts down kabootarkhanas, what about the pigeons left behind?
Once bustling with fluttering wings and the rhythmic coos of pigeons, Mumbai's iconic kabootarkhanas, once integral parts of the city's social and spiritual landscape, are quietly disappearing. What began as a charitable tradition, rooted in compassion and faith, now stands at a crossroads where public health, urban planning, and animal rights converge in a complex ORIGINS OF KABOOTARKHANASIn the heart of Mumbai's older localities like Dadar, Kalbadevi, and Bhuleshwar, kabootarkhanas were built by traders and philanthropists, many from the Jain and Marwari communities, who believed feeding birds was a sacred act of punya (virtue). These designated feeding spots became sanctuaries not just for pigeons, but also for people seeking a moment of stillness amid Mumbai's time, these circular structures with water troughs and feeding platforms grew into cultural landmarks. They were often located near temples, markets, and crossroads, symbols of coexistence between city dwellers and their feathered cohabitants. But as Mumbai changed, so did its relationship with PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMPASSIONOver the past decade, concerns over rising respiratory ailments, especially among senior citizens, have led to increased scrutiny of these pigeon-feeding zones. Medical experts and civic bodies point to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (often called 'pigeon fancier's lung') as a real risk in areas with dense bird populations. This has prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to begin cracking down on some of these traditional feeding animal rights groups caution against abrupt policy shifts.'The problem with pigeon-feeding areas is that they make the birds dependent on humans for their food,' said Sachin Bangera from PETA India. 'If you remove these areas, then the pigeons are left with nothing, which is cruel. The city should have a plan for weaning the pigeons away from the food in the area.'Indeed, kabootarkhanas are no longer just about religion or charity, they represent a fragile ecosystem. Pigeons that have become dependent on handouts often lack the instinct to forage, raising ethical questions about suddenly halting all feeding activity.'Since the pigeons who gather at Kabootarkhana have long been dependent on food from passersby, instead of ending pigeon-feeding there all at once, it should be phased out over time,' added GUESTS OR URBAN PESTS?For some, pigeons are charming city companions, curious, calm, and undeniably photogenic. For others, they're little more than airborne pests. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.'Pigeons are kind, inquisitive animals who deserve our respect and compassion,' says Bangera, gently reframing the narrative often dominated by fears of agree that, like all animals, pigeons thrive best in clean environments. The real issue may not be the act of feeding itself, but the lack of sanitation in the surrounding areas. Overflowing grain piles, stagnant water, and droppings left uncleaned for days have turned many kabootarkhanas into breeding grounds, not just for birds, but for bacteria.- Ends
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
The End Of Mumbai's Kabutarkhanas: History, Health Risks, Opposition
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sealed 51 kabutarkhanas (pigeon houses) across Mumbai, acting on a Bombay High Court directive. Among them is the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a heritage site and one of the city's most well-known pigeon-feeding locations. History Of The Dadar Kabutarkhana Established in 1933, the Dadar Kabutarkhana is considered a Grade-II heritage structure. Members of the Jain community and other bird enthusiasts feed pigeons there daily. The area has also been used for small religious activities and community engagement. Why Are Mumbai Kabutarkhanas Closed? On July 31, the Bombay High Court ordered the closure of all kabutarkhanas in Mumbai, saying they posed a threat to public health. The authorities were also instructed to file FIRs under Sections 223, 270, and 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against those violating the order. Avoid demolishing heritage Kabutarkhana structures but ensure they are sealed to prevent further activity, the court said. In line with this order, the BMC sealed the Dadar Kabutarkhana on August 2 using plastic tarpaulins and bamboo structures. The site's electricity supply was also cut off, and surveillance was deployed to prevent further feeding. Health Risks Cited According to the BMC and health authorities, materials such as pigeon droppings, feathers, and nesting debris can spread through the air and cause respiratory illness. The primary concern is "Pigeon Lung," a condition that can affect elderly individuals, children, people with asthma or existing respiratory conditions. Symptoms reported include shortness of breath, allergies, and eye irritation. The KEM Hospital and other health institutions have been asked by the court to submit evidence on health risks caused by pigeon-related pollution. The Maharashtra Human Rights Commission has asked the BMC and health department to submit a detailed report on the health risks within eight weeks. What Happened After It Was Sealed? Pigeons have moved to surrounding streets, especially a 300-metre stretch between Dadar Station and the Kabutarkhana, waiting for food. This has led to traffic disruption and increased accident risks. Jain community members and bird volunteers are now attempting to clear the roads to prevent harm to the birds. The BMC has begun issuing fines of Rs 500 each and has registered at least 16 cases so far. The first FIR under the new directive was filed in Mahim. Authorities are also reportedly penalising shopkeepers found selling grains for pigeon feeding. Public And Religious Reaction Members of the Jain community have opposed these steps, saying that pigeon feeding is part of their religious practice and ethical duty. The kabutarkhanas are mostly located outside Jain premises, such as hostels or derasars (temples). Community leaders and monks argue that sudden closures have led to food scarcity for pigeons. Article 51(A)(g) of the Indian Constitution directs citizens to show compassion toward animals. The Jain community has announced that if feeding is not allowed by August 10, they will go on a hunger strike. Alternative Feeding Zones Under Consideration In response to public concern, BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha has requested the BMC to identify safe, alternative feeding locations. Proposed options include the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Aarey Colony, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. No decision has been made yet.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
No BMC drives in 50% dengue & malaria-prone zones of city
Bhopal: A noticeable disconnect exists between the health department and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), revealing that BMC recently has not been operating in numerous locations identified as vector-borne disease-prone zones. According to district malaria office (DMO) list, it recently highlighted 21 areas requiring swift vector control action across the city. These locations include slum settlements, residential colonies and at-risk neighbourhoods. However, going by BMC active areas, where vector control and penalty took place, an analysis reveals that BMC's official field vector control operations list includes merely 9 of these identified zones. BMC handles outdoor vector control, while the health department focus is more micro with survey and indoor vector control. Comparing DMO listed areas and BMC vector control intervention, findings reveal that 12 locations, constituting nearly 50% of the monitored sites where the health department documented vector cases, lack any BMC involvement or collaborative efforts. Senior officials from BMC's health department remained unresponsive when questioned about this matter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Read More Undo The non-covered areas comprise Sanjay Nagar, Koh-e-Fiza, Prempura, Kumharpura, Chataipura, Shabari/Nehru Nagar, Shankaracharya Nagar, Galla Mandi, Roshan Bagh, Purana Nagar (Slum Area), and a few rural areas, which are not within BMC limits. The evident disparity was supposed to be resolved. Bhopal mayor Malti Rai has convened at least two meetings where agency collaboration, particularly in health-sensitive locations for vector control were discussed. The meeting included health officials. While areas such as Rajiv Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Ayodhya Nagar show coordinated presence of both departments, most locations remain unaddressed. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
