Not allowing teams to inspect dengue larvae on premises to invite penalty, people warned in Chandigarh

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 13

UT Health Secretary Yashpal Garg has warned city residents of heavy fine and penalty under the Epidemics Disease Act in case health teams are not allowed to enter the premises for inspection of dengue larvae.

Official orders of Garg read: “It may be presumed that entry to the premises is not being allowed to avoid the applicable fine/penalty and hence fine may be imposed straight way. It is clarified in clear terms that such reluctance of allowing inspection will not be allowed because it may contribute in outbreak of vector-borne diseases in the city.”

Garg said: “It has been observed that some of the owners or occupants of the premises are objecting or misbehaving with the staff of the Health Department at the time of inspections. In some cases, security staff posted at the entry gates of the premises is not allowing the teams to enter the premises for inspections. The residents are requested to extend their full support to the visiting staff and contribute in their efforts of controlling the spread of vector-borne disease.”

“To address the security related concern, the protocol of frisking may be completed while allowing the entry to the premises and a representative may remain with the staff during the entire process of inspection/spraying. Even the Punjab Raj Bhawan, Haryana Raj Bhawan, UT Secretariat, residence of UT Adviser and residence of the DGP have been inspected,” said Garg.

Under the Epidemics Disease Act, 1897, the health staff has been authorised to inspect the premises. In case of not allowing inspections, actions under the Epidemics Disease Act-1897 may be initiated and it can also be termed as an offence under the IPC for obstructing a government servant from discharging the duty.

The UT Health Department is taking measures, including awareness and education programmes at different locations in the city, fogging and spray at public/private places in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, checking and inspection of vulnerable places, issuing notices and challans to private and government premises.

On Wednesday, Chandigarh saw 40 cases of dengue. Over 250 dengue cases have been reported from the city till now.

Appeal to residents

All residents are requested to take all precautions and don’t allow water to stagnate on their premises. They may contact at the helpline number 7626002036 for issues related to malaria/dengue.