Tiruchi Corporation has stepped up the drive to clear the mosquito-breeding sources and launched a crack down on garbage dumping in the city as part of its strategy to prevent the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases during the northeast monsoon.

According to sources, Tiruchi has recorded an increase in the number of fever cases. However, doctors said it could be largely linked to seasonal flu. The city reported seven confirmed cases of dengue in August and two so far this month.

It is said that there are about 350 to 400 vacant plots and more than 250 construction sites across the city.

Corporation Commissioner N. Ponmani has instructed the officials to identify and clear mosquito-breeding sites, particularly construction sites and plots across the city.

Acting on the instructions, a team of health officials inspected a building under construction on Sastri Road in Ward 22 on Sunday and found a large number of mosquito larvae at the site. A fine of ₹50,000 was imposed on the construction company responsible for the site.

The Corporation officials have been asked to prepare a list of potential mosquito-breeding sites and issue notices besides imposing fines on owners of property wherever breeding sources were found, the officials said

The Corporation has appealed to the residents to avoid keeping discarded tyres and other materials around their houses as rainwater could accumulate on these and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents have been advised to hand over such material to the Corporation’s garbage collection vehicles.

Meanwhile, officials have been instructed to ensure 100% compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules. Residents and commercial establishments were asked to segregate waste and hand it over to sanitation workers using the appropriate waste bins prescribed under the new system.

As part of the drive against indiscriminate dumping of garbage, officials found a marriage hall in Ward 23 dumping solid waste on a nearby vacant plot. A fine of ₹5,000 was imposed on the establishment.

Ms. Ponmani said establishments and residential premises found dumping waste in open spaces would be identified and fined. She warned that action would be taken against commercial establishments found using banned plastic products.