NEW DELHI: Saying that some of the dengue deaths in the city were "preventable", many citizens across the city are demanding that fumigation exercise be stepped up by civic bodies even as Delhi continues to battle against the scourge of the vector-borne disease.
A section of residents living in south Delhi, from where a number of dengue death cases have been reported, are complaining that "not enough" is being done by the MCD to combat the health menace.
"Well, the MCD hardly sends anyone to fumigate the area. And, this year, with even so many cases, they are taking things lightly," said 80-year-old J C Bakshi, who lives in Lajpat Nagar.
Monika Bahl, a resident of Lajpat Nagar died on Tuesday at the Moolchand Hospital due to dengue shock syndrome leading to multi-organ failure.
The number of dengue cases in the city has crossed the 2,000 mark, while 17 deaths have been reported due to it.
Rohan Desai, a resident of Kalkaji in south Delhi, alleged that not enough is being done by the municipal corporations.
"Some of these dengue deaths were preventable. There was fumigation in my area last week, but this week I haven't seen it happening. And, even if it has been done, MCD needs to step up its efforts. What they are doing is not enough," he said.
People in other parts of Delhi also reacted in a similar vein and asked for ramping up of the measures on part of the civic bodies.
Prakash K Ray, a resident of Kishangarh area in south Delhi, alleged that "no fumigation" has taken place in his area.
"I can tell you MCD is a total failure in dealing with this. So, is the Delhi government and the Centre in dealing with this menace which has claimed so many lives, many of which could have been saved," Ray claimed.
Residents in north and east parts of the city also complained of not enough fumigation being done.
The three municipal corporations have lately been claiming that they have fumigated many areas under their jurisdiction.
"We have stepped up fumigation in many parts of the city, increased the number of dengue breeding checkers and field workers. We are trying to check any further spread of the disease," South Delhi Mayor Subhash Arya said.
A senior official of SDMC said, "A 24X7 dengue helpline will become operational from tomorrow and additional manpower has also been employed to fight the disease."
An NDMC official also claimed that "fumigation" is being done in its areas, and challans are being issued if mosquito-breeding is found in premises of households or institutions.
Notwithstanding the MCD's claims, people, in general seemed unhappy with the response of the corporations to the disease which has now assume an alarming proportion, its worst outbreak in the last five years.