The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has significantly ramped up its fight against mosquito-borne diseases, spending nearly Rs 100 crore on dengue control operations in the financial year 2024-25, compared to Rs 87.99 crore in the previous year, as per a recent RTI response. The expenditure reflects the MCD’s enhanced focus on combating the surge in dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases this year.
A breakdown of the current year’s spending reveals key allocations, including Rs 4.8 crore on fogging, Rs 83.25 lakh on anti-larval measures, Rs 42.02 lakh on medicines and equipment, and smaller amounts on special drives, worker training, and public awareness campaigns. In total, the MCD inspected 2.89 crore houses for mosquito breeding in 2024, though this was fewer than the 4.14 crore inspections conducted in 2023.
By November 30, Delhi had recorded over 5,700 dengue cases and three related deaths, with October seeing a peak of 2,400 cases—the highest in four years. However, this year’s total cases marked a decline from the 9,266 cases reported in 2023. Conversely, other mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and chikungunya surged significantly. Malaria cases nearly doubled to 766 from 384 last year, and chikungunya cases rose from 44 to 266, marking four-year highs for both illnesses.
As reported by economictimes, the late monsoon onset in Delhi this year contributed to a delayed spike in mosquito activity, with the highest case numbers reported in September and October. As winter set in, cases began to decline, contrasting with the extended spike from August to November observed in 2023.
In addition to dengue, the MCD is addressing other mosquito-borne threats, including a recent case of Japanese encephalitis reported earlier this month. This prompted intensified anti-mosquito measures across the city, underscoring the civic body’s commitment to protecting public health amidst evolving environmental challenges.