Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Health officials have sounded an alert after eight dengue cases were confirmed in Porvorim’s Housing Board area, including seven personnel attached to the Porvorim Fire Station, prompting intensified surveillance and vector-control measures.
The Porvorim Primary Health Centre (PHC) has traced multiple mosquito breeding spots in the locality and has once again pulled up the agency executing the Porvorim Town Square (PTS) project for inadequate sanitation. A third notice has now been issued to the contractor, warning of continued violations.
PHC Health Officer Dr Shikandar Talwar said the first dengue infection was detected in a supervisor associated with the PTS construction site. Shortly afterwards, seven fire service personnel from the nearby fire station also tested positive, indicating a cluster of cases in the area.
According to the PHC, inspections revealed mosquito breeding at three locations — the PTS construction site, the Panchayat Library project and food stalls operating opposite the Goa Cricket Academy.
Dr Talwar said the construction agency has repeatedly failed to address health concerns despite earlier action by the department. The firm had already been fined twice for sanitation-related violations and had received multiple notices directing it to eliminate mosquito breeding conditions.
With another notice now issued, copies have also been forwarded to the Penha de Franca Panchayat, the Directorate of Health Services and the North Goa Collector for further action.
The health officer cautioned that unless proper housekeeping and mosquito-control measures are maintained at ongoing construction sites, the locality could witness a further increase in dengue infections.
Meanwhile, the PHC has stepped up preventive operations by treating stagnant water with anti-larval chemicals and conducting fumigation drives in vulnerable areas, including around the PTS project, the Panchayat Library construction site and the Goa Cricket Academy. Health officials have also urged residents, vendors and construction agencies to prevent water stagnation and maintain clean surroundings to curb the spread of dengue.
