Pune: PMC Seeks Report from Health Inspectors Over Violation of Dengue Prevention Guidelines
Pune, 4th November 2026: At a time when dengue cases are increasing in the city, a violation of prescribed dengue prevention guidelines by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) own health department has come to light. After instances of fogging being carried out in open areas and outside the prescribed timings were reported, the civic administration has sought reports from the concerned health inspectors.
The PMC Health Department had been regularly conducting fogging operations across the city to control mosquito populations. However, following restrictions on routine fogging, the civic body now conducts these operations primarily in areas where dengue cases have been detected.
As per the prescribed schedule, fogging in residential areas is supposed to be carried out between 7 am and 10 am and between 5 pm and 8 pm. However, instances have come to light where employees were allegedly conducting fogging at unauthorised times and without following the prescribed procedures.
On Tuesday, November 3, residents noticed health department employees carrying out fogging operations using a vehicle in the Rambaug, LIC Colony, Girija Society and More Vidyalaya areas of Kothrud between 11 am and 12 noon.
Residents questioned the employees about the timing and subsequently lodged a complaint directly with PMC Additional Commissioner Pavneet Kaur. Following the complaint, the civic administration intervened and the fogging operation was stopped. The administration has now sought explanations and reports from the concerned employees and health inspectors.
Speaking about the issue, PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr Rajesh Dighe said, “The primary objective of fogging is to eliminate adult mosquitoes. During the morning hours, larvicidal and ovicidal chemicals are sprayed to destroy mosquito larvae and eggs. However, fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes must be carried out in the concerned areas either in the morning or evening.”
He further explained that whenever a dengue case is detected, mosquito-control spraying is carried out inside the patient’s house and in the surrounding areas.
“There are written government guidelines regarding these procedures, and the staff members have been trained accordingly. However, in slum areas, where houses are closely packed, fogging is carried out in the spaces between houses and on roads,” he added.
