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Bengal Warns Vacant-Plot Owners Amid Rising Dengue Concerns
West Bengal is trying to stop dengue from spreading during the monsoon.
Dengue mosquitoes can breed in very small puddles of water.
Agnimitra Paul warned people who own empty plots to keep them clean.
Owners could face large fines if their land collects water or becomes overgrown.
The fine might also be added to their property tax.
The state reported 4,035 dengue cases and seven officially confirmed deaths by August 19.
Officials are checking places such as rooftops, garages and flower pots for standing water.
A statewide cleaning campaign will take place from September 3 to 5.
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul warned vacant-plot owners of substantial penalties for allowing stagnant water or overgrowth.
Municipal authorities may initiate proceedings, with penalties potentially added to property tax.
West Bengal recorded 4,035 dengue cases and seven officially confirmed deaths through August 19.
Kolkata reported 327 dengue cases through August 23, compared with 387 during the same period last year.
The government has intensified mosquito-control efforts, with a statewide cleanliness drive scheduled for September 3 to 5.
- Who
- West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, municipal authorities and vacant-plot owners.
- What
- The state warned that neglected vacant plots could lead to substantial penalties amid intensified dengue prevention efforts.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Kolkata and the districts identified for heightened surveillance.
- When
- The warning was issued on Wednesday; reported dengue figures cover August 19 and August 23, and a cleanup drive is scheduled for September 3 to 5.
- Why
- Stagnant water and overgrown plots can create mosquito-breeding sites and unhygienic conditions for neighbouring residents.
Key facts
- Reported dengue cases
- West Bengal recorded 4,035 cases through August 19.
- Officially confirmed deaths
- Seven deaths were officially confirmed through August 19.
- Broader death count
- The number rises to 10 when dengue-positive patients with other serious medical conditions are included.
- Kolkata cases
- Kolkata recorded 327 cases from January 1 to August 23, compared with 387 in the corresponding period last year.
- Potential penalty
- A substantial lump-sum penalty may be imposed and could be added to the owner’s property tax.
- Heightened surveillance districts
- Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad were identified for heightened dengue surveillance.
- Cleanliness drive
- A statewide cleanliness drive is scheduled for September 3 to 5.
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
West Bengal Urban Development Minister
“If a case is filed against you for keeping your land dirty and causing inconvenience to the entire neighbourhood, a substantial penalty can be imposed.”
thestatesman.com
“Vacant plots must be kept clean. If you leave your land in such a condition, you can face a penalty. And it will not be Rs 100 or Rs 200.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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