The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 if a potential breeding source of mosquito or larvae is found in any household.

The step is being taken to curb the rising dengue menace in the city, officials said. However, commercial houses and institutions would invite a Rs 5,000 fine if their premises are found to be potential sources of breeding centres for mosquitoes. Odisha's capital city has reported two dengue deaths prompting the civic body to take all possible steps to check the dengue-reported cases in the state.

Mayor, BMC, Sulochana Das told The Telegraph last week: “A special drive will be launched from August 15 to this effect. If the premises are not maintained properly and the premises turn out to be a potential source of breeding for dengue mosquitos, the owner of the premises will be taken to task. Strick adherence to sanitation protocols to be adhered.”

The drive was launched on Tuesday.

The BMC said: “Our team will commence random visits and inspection of domestic, commercial and institutional establishments from August 15 onward and if a potential dengue breeding source mosquito or larvae is found in any household a fine of Rs 1,000 shall be imposed and if it is found in any commercial premise or office or institutions, Rs 5,000/-shall be imposed for their negligence.”

The officials further said: "We all are aware that the monsoon season has arrived and dengue incidents in the city are increasing. Stagnant water which has not been emptied leads to dengue mosquito breeding and in the monsoon the cases increase.”

The civic body maintained that it's taking all possible measures to mitigate dengue risks through surveillance of potential dengue mosquito breeding spots, fogging, spraying larvae oil and creating awareness among the citizens in general to curb dengue mosquito breeding.

Citing that public-private participation is the need of the hour to curb the rising trend of dengue menace in the city, the BMC further said: “As such there is no vaccine for dengue and hence prevention of mosquito breeding is most crucial to fight this menace.”

It asked the people to ensure that the indoor and outdoor surroundings of their houses, offices, institutions, business space, shops do not turn out to be possible breeding points. "To enhance dengue prevention, a surveillance team will be established in each ward, comprising sanitary inspectors, Swaacch supervisors and local doctors."