KMC issues dengue and malaria alert ahead of Durga Puja after heavy rainfall

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued a city-wide alert regarding the rising threat of dengue and malaria ahead of Durga Puja. Authorities have warned residents and festival organizers to prevent water stagnation in pandals and other areas to reduce mosquito breeding risks.

According to KMC data, 290 dengue cases have been reported in Kolkata so far in 2025, compared to 255 cases during the same period in 2024. Two deaths linked to dengue were reported in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, malaria cases have decreased, with 1,156 cases recorded this year, down from 1,358 in 2024 and 2,888 in 2023.

The city has experienced 1,316.5 mm of rainfall so far this year, exceeding the total rainfall for 2024 (1,164.2 mm) and significantly higher than the 666.3 mm recorded in 2023 during the same period. Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh noted that out of Kolkata’s 4.5 million population, approximately 1.8 million live in slum areas where water can accumulate in buckets and containers, creating conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.

KMC has declared wards 66, 67, 69, 70, 77, 93, and 108 as hotspot zones for dengue and malaria. Durga Puja organizers have been instructed to regularly clean their pandals, prevent water accumulation, and provide photographic proof of compliance before Mahalaya on September 21. Special meetings will be held to monitor adherence to these instructions.

The municipal corporation stated that Kolkata’s vector-borne disease control system is among the strongest in India. Officials have urged residents to maintain cleanliness, eliminate standing water around their homes, and remain vigilant to prevent further mosquito breeding and disease spread.