Dengue surge in Tambaram: 67 cases in 21 days as corporation faces scrutiny

Tambaram's dengue-control efforts came under fire after the city municipal corporation reported 67 cases in the first 21 days of September—accounting for one-third of the year's total cases so far. Councillors and residents alleged that garbage, sewage, and stagnant water continued to breed mosquitoes despite the corporation's claims of intensified inspections across five zones.

The corporation recorded 198 dengue cases between January 1 and September 21, though councillors contended the actual number was likely higher due to unreported cases at private hospitals. Ward councillors said garbage remained uncleared at vacant plots and no corporation teams had visited their areas for inspections. One councillor reported nearly 20 dengue patients from his ward undergoing private treatment.

The corporation's commissioner was transferred on September 15 following allegations of tender irregularities. Activists questioned whether the shift from municipal to corporation status had weakened public health response.