Dehradun | April 24, 2025
The Uttarakhand government has launched a comprehensive campaign to combat the spread of dengue across the state, with clear directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat. Taking the lead, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has issued a detailed advisory, urging all relevant departments to work in close coordination for effective dengue prevention and control.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that dengue-carrying mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species, breed in clean, stagnant water. “If we can identify and eliminate such water collection points early, we can significantly curb the spread of dengue,” he stated during a recent high-level meeting.
All Hands on Deck: Multi-Department Action Plan
The health secretary’s advisory highlights the critical role that various departments must play. It has been circulated to key departments including Urban Development, Rural Development, Education, Irrigation, Panchayati Raj, Disaster Management, Tourism, Agriculture, Women and Child Welfare, Transport, Meteorology, Forest, and Water Supply.
The focus is on coordinated, inter-departmental efforts—cleaning breeding grounds, raising public awareness, and ensuring proper sanitation. Urban bodies like municipal corporations and panchayats are being mobilized to lead cleanliness drives, especially around construction sites, unused plots, old tires, and other potential mosquito breeding areas.
Cleanliness Campaigns and Local Vigilance
District health officials are actively mapping mosquito breeding spots and taking immediate action to eliminate them. Weekly cleaning of water tanks, coolers, and household containers is being advised. Teams from the municipal and rural development departments are conducting sanitation drives targeting homes and public areas alike.
In addition, a special focus is being placed on proper waste management and drainage systems. Departments are instructed to ensure that rainwater doesn’t stagnate in open areas, which could become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Schools Join the Mission
The Education Department is also playing a vital role in the awareness drive. Schools have started organizing health and hygiene awareness sessions where students are being educated about dengue prevention methods. These students are encouraged to spread the message at home and in their neighborhoods, amplifying the impact at the grassroots level.
Mass Awareness Through Media and Community Engagement
The Department of Information and Public Relations is leveraging television, radio, and social media to disseminate crucial information about dengue prevention. Citizens are being encouraged to keep their surroundings clean, remove stagnant water, and cooperate with local officials in ongoing anti-dengue campaigns. Elected representatives and local leaders are also being asked to support the efforts at the community level.
Special Health Camps and Door-to-Door Surveillance
To ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, the Health Department has set up special camps in hospitals and clinics across the state. Medical staff are not only treating patients but also educating them about the symptoms and preventive measures. Health workers are going door-to-door to identify mosquito breeding sites and eliminate them on the spot.
A United Front Against Dengue
Dr. Kumar concluded, “We are committed to reducing dengue cases and safeguarding public health. This is a collective responsibility. With cooperation from all departments and active participation of the public, we aim to make Uttarakhand dengue-free.”
As the summer season approaches and dengue risk increases, the Dhami government’s proactive and unified approach is a timely and critical step in protecting the health of its citizens.
