13 dengue cases in Bengal's Tarkeshwar amid stagnant water, Municipal authorities blamed

Tarkeshwar's Shankhari Para, located in Ward 14 of the municipality, has reported 13 confirmed cases of dengue in recent days. The outbreak has raised serious concerns about public health in the area, with local residents blaming stagnant water and accumulated garbage for the surge in mosquito populations. The standing water, especially in drains, ponds, and nearby water bodies, has created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Despite repeated complaints about these conditions, there has been little visible action from the municipal authorities to address the issue.

The stagnant water problem in Shankhari Para has persisted for weeks, with waste-filled drains and ponds contributing to the buildup of water that does not drain properly. The water stagnation has created an environment conducive to mosquito breeding, which has directly contributed to the rapid spread of dengue. Residents claim that the municipality’s occasional use of bleaching powder to control mosquito larvae has not been sufficient, with many reporting that the larvae continue to thrive in the untreated water bodies.

Local health experts have indicated that poor drainage systems in the area are a major factor in the continued stagnation of water. Several parts of Shankhari Para, particularly low-lying areas, have been prone to waterlogging during the monsoon season, further exacerbating the issue. This has led to the pooling of water in the vicinity of residential areas, where stagnant water in open drains and ponds continues to serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Although the municipality conducts regular cleaning drives, local residents argue that these efforts are not enough to combat the scale of the problem.

In response to the outbreak, the Tarkeshwar Municipality has initiated further cleaning efforts, with additional manpower and resources allocated for sanitation and waste management. Despite these measures, the lack of effective long-term drainage solutions remains a significant challenge. The municipality is reportedly focusing on improving the drainage systems in the affected areas to reduce water stagnation and prevent further mosquito breeding.