265% rise in dengue cases in past 5 years, says Foundation

As per the Right To Information (RTI) data collected by the city-based Praja Foundation, there has been a 265 per cent rise in dengue cases from April 2012 to March 2017. According to civic-run hospitals, in 2012-13 a total of 4,867 cases were registered, and in 2016-17 a total of 17,771 cases.

Milind Mhaske, Project Director, Praja Foundation, said, "Ward-wise major dengue hotpots in 2016-17 are K/E ward with 224 cases, L ward with 144, and R/N ward with 108. The estimated deaths have doubled from 77 in 2012-13 to 148 in 2016-17."

In wards like K/W, M/E and T, zero cases have been registered in 2016-17 and 2012-13. "Registered cases in L ward have increased from 43 in 2015-16 to 144 in 2016-17. At dispensary level, cases increased from 26 in 2012-13 to 1,039 in 2016-17," added Mhaske.

The NGO conducted a survey with over 20,000 households. As per the age-wise estimated cases per 1,000 households, 32 were registered between the ages 18 to 25, three between the age group 26 to 40, and 16 cases above 40 years.

"The BMC needs to step out of denial and tackle the ongoing health crisis. The same goes for other governmental authorities who must step up to the challenge and ensure a healthier city," said Shivali Bagayatkar, Project Officer at Praja Foundation.