The mounds of garbage at the under-construction underpass are triggering a rise in reported cases of malaria and dengue
Ritika Gondhalekar
Bangalore, January 18, 2018: Since the construction of the Kodigehalli Underpass was halted six months ago, the number of reported cases for malaria and dengue has doubled in the area.
Dr. Premanand, doctor at the Kodigehalli Government Hospital said, “We have got nearly 30 to 35 cases of malaria and dengue since the construction of the underpass slowed down that is the last five to six months. Two out of these cases are of the workers who are suffering from malaria. Their condition is critical and they are seeking treatment.”
“Till the month of July we had only 17 cases including dengue and malaria but more and more cases are coming in now ,” he added.
The tussle between the Burhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the South Western Railway is taking a toll on common man’s life. “My daughter just got discharged two days ago. She was in the hospital for nearly 16 days. She is in standard three,” said Ganesh A U, a man who lives right next to the construction site.
Dr.Uma of Shri Sai Krupa Hospital said that they have received a few malaria cases recently.
The BBMP is facing a land acquisition problem due to which they are not releasing funds. However the BBMP officials have refused to give any more details regarding the underpass construction.
P K Saxena, Division General Manager at South Western Railway said they cannot go ahead with the project until the BBMP resolves the land acquisition issue and releases funds.
The SoftCopy had recently reported on how the halted construction work was also affecting the business of shopkeepers in the area.
