Kerala Health Minister warns of dengue outbreak in TVM over poor waste management

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has warned that Thiruvananthapuram could face a serious dengue outbreak if garbage collection and sanitation work are not carried out effectively by the city corporation amid the strengthening monsoon.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the minister said the state government had received official reports warning that poor waste management could lead to an uncontrolled spread of dengue, with the possibility of fatalities.

"If waste is not removed promptly, the strengthening monsoon could trigger a dengue outbreak that may go out of control. There is also the possibility of deaths due to the disease," he said.

Muraleedharan was responding to questions about the Opposition UDF's reported move to bring a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. However, he declined to comment on the political developments, saying it would not be appropriate for him to do so as a minister.

Instead, he stressed that the government's immediate concern was ensuring effective sanitation and waste management across the city.

The minister said all state departments were working together to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, but added that the Corporation, which has the primary responsibility for sanitation, had not taken adequate measures.

"Waste removal should not be affected for any reason. It is a matter that must be taken very seriously," he said.

Muraleedharan said he had spoken to both the Mayor and the District Collector regarding the situation and made it clear that the government would not compromise on public health.

"This should not be viewed through a political lens," he added.

The minister also acknowledged vacancies in the Health Department and said instructions had been issued to the Director of Health Services to take steps to fill them. He added that the appointment process for District Medical Officers was under way and the list of appointments would be released soon.

(PTI)