Health and District In-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, Dinesh Gundu Rao, voiced serious concerns over the rising dengue cases in the region. He emphasized the need to control mosquito breeding grounds, stating, “The first job is to control the spots where larvae are produced. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which needs to be controlled.”
Rao criticized the public for not taking the issue seriously, noting that water accumulation in front of houses is a significant problem. He warned against unscientific construction practices, saying, “We will not allow unscientific construction and take action against those who construct buildings without proper drainage facilities.”
He highlighted the necessity for substantial funding to address these issues, assuring that measures are in place for proper dengue treatment. “Arrangements for suitable medical treatment for dengue have been made, and we need to prevent fatalities,” he said. Rao also warned private hospitals against overcharging for dengue testing, threatening to cancel licenses if necessary.
Addressing the issue of hill collapses in Dakshina Kannada, Rao remarked, “We dig into hills to construct buildings, and since it is done unscientifically, the hills collapse during rains. This is a human-created issue.” He stressed the need for grants to build retaining walls to prevent such incidents and committed to considering it.
Rao’s statements underscore the urgent need for scientific construction practices and effective dengue control measures to protect public health and safety in the region.