Tata Steel Steps Up Dengue Prevention Drive, Surveys 4.89 Lakh Homes

Jamshedpur: Tata Steel has intensified its dengue prevention drive in Jamshedpur, with 4,89,601 homes surveyed so far this season to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The campaign, conducted through Tata Steel UISL, focuses on surveillance, preventive action and public awareness to protect community health. The company said regular monitoring and public participation have helped keep the dengue situation largely under control. During the current dengue season, teams have identified and destroyed 14,193 mosquito breeding sites inside homes and another 11,855 in outdoor areas. More than 26,000 potential breeding sites have been eliminated so far. Whenever conditions favourable to mosquito breeding are detected, field teams take immediate action and advise residents to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes. The impact of the campaign is also reflected in the House Index, an indicator used to assess mosquito breeding conditions. The average House Index from April to September stood at 2.7, remaining within the operational target of below five. It declined further to 2.4 in September. According to the company, regular surveillance and the elimination of breeding sites have contributed to this improvement. To strengthen public awareness, Tata Steel is running campaigns in schools and communities under its popular #PaltiMaar3 initiative. A total of 212 awareness programmes have been organised this season, alongside 104 street plays in schools to communicate dengue prevention measures. Field teams have also conducted more than 4.40 lakh health awareness interactions through door-to-door visits. These initiatives emphasise that dengue prevention begins at home and requires residents to devote a few minutes every week to checking for stagnant water and removing potential mosquito breeding sites. Schoolchildren have also been involved through street plays, demonstrations and interactive sessions. Students are being encouraged to identify mosquito breeding sites and educate their families and neighbours about preventive measures. The company aims to build lasting habits of cleanliness and dengue prevention within communities by engaging children. To encourage greater public participation, 92 information, education and communication (IEC) van-cum-container collection drives have been conducted across Tata Steel UISL’s service areas. These specially deployed vehicles spread awareness while collecting discarded tyres, waste containers and other items that can collect rainwater and become mosquito breeding sites. The initiative combines public education with the direct removal of potential breeding grounds. The campaign also stresses compliance with regulations and responsible behaviour among residents. A total of 2,654 cases related to mosquito breeding have been reported to the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) for appropriate action. In addition, 2,115 notices have been issued to homes and premises where mosquito breeding conditions were found. The company said these measures are intended not merely to penalise residents but also to ensure that they take responsibility for preventing dengue. According to figures released by Tata Steel, Jamshedpur district had recorded 21 confirmed dengue cases as of 9 September 2026, including nine cases in Tata Steel UISL’s service areas. These figures relate to the period up to that date. Whenever a positive case is identified, surveillance is intensified in the affected locality, breeding sites are eliminated, awareness activities are carried out and fogging is undertaken to reduce the risk of further transmission. Fogging is also being carried out in dengue-affected areas. However, experts caution that fogging alone cannot fully control the disease. The Aedes aegypti mosquito can breed in small collections of water in and around homes, including containers, coolers, flower pots and other objects that hold water. Identifying and eliminating these breeding sites, while preventing water from accumulating again, remains one of the most effective preventive measures. Tata Steel has urged residents to spend at least 10 minutes every week checking water tanks, storage containers, coolers, flower pots, rooftops, discarded tyres and unused household items. Any accumulated water should be removed, and containers used for water storage should be kept covered. The company stressed that dengue prevention cannot be achieved by a single organisation alone. Cooperation among residents, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders is essential to protect public health. Reaffirming its commitment to community health and safety, Tata Steel said the survey of nearly 4.9 lakh homes, elimination of more than 26,000 breeding sites, over 4.40 lakh health awareness interactions and 212 awareness programmes demonstrate the scale of its efforts. The company has appealed to residents to observe one day each week as a dry day and ensure that water does not accumulate in their homes. It said that spending 10 minutes each week inspecting surroundings, cleaning potential breeding sites and covering water containers could help the community work together to make Jamshedpur safer from dengue.