Anti-mosquito workforce back on duty amid spike in dengue cases

Amid a sharp rise in mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season, the indefinite strike by Delhi’s Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs) was called off following key assurances from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The strike, led by the Anti-Malaria Ekta Karamchari Union, was sparked by longstanding demands for better pay, job regularisation and improved working conditions.

The breakthrough came after Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma engaged with union representatives, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed in coordination with relevant departments. “Public interest is paramount, especially during a health crisis. I welcome the DBC workers’ decision to return to duty. Their role is critical in curbing the spread of malaria, dengue and chikungunya,” Sharma said.

Sharma also directed all zonal officers to intensify anti mosquito campaigns, ensure door-to-door inspections and maintain a strong field presence to protect public health.

The DBC workers’ return is a timely relief for the Capital, which has been grappling with rising infections. As of July 19, Delhi reported 261 cases of dengue, 112 cases of malaria, and 17 cases of chikungunya, figures higher than recent years.

Earlier, senior MCD councillor and Indraprastha Vikas Party (IVP) leader Mukesh Goyal had urged urgent intervention from MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh. “If the strike continues, it could lead to chaos and widespread illness. The DBC workforce is vital in breaking the mosquito breeding cycle,” Goyal warned.

However, the political slugfest over public health has intensified. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led MCD and the Delhi Government, accusing them of negligence and indifference.

“Waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases are spreading rapidly, but the government remains inactive. The failure to recruit staff in critical DBC positions highlights the BJP’s poor governance,” Yadav said.

He further alleged that seven of 12 epidemiologist posts in the DBC department are vacant, along with 92 of 150 malaria inspector posts, 391 of 600 assistant inspector positions and 279 of 5,176 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts. “Despite rising waterlogging and surge in mosquito-borne diseases, the government has failed to fill key positions. Over 50 per cent of DBC staff had threatened to strike due to non-regularised jobs and lack of basic facilities,” he said.

Yadav demanded immediate recruitment in the DBC department, door-to-door breeding checks, fogging and a public awareness campaign to prevent the spread of diseases. “Why is the government prioritising health and sanitation only in NDMC areas? Does the rest of Delhi not deserve protection?” he questioned.

He also criticised both the Aam Aadmi Party and BJP governments for failing to act in time, citing data from previous years: 9,266 dengue cases and 19 deaths were reported in 2023, and 6,391 cases with 11 deaths in 2024.