The Government of Punjab on June 02, 2026, issued the Punjab Prevention and Control of Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya Regulations, 2026.
These regulations designate a wide range of officials from the Health Department, District Administration, Urban Local Bodies, and Rural Development departments as Inspecting Officers for the entire state of Punjab. Their responsibilities include surveillance, inspection, and control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya at both district and local levels.
Inspecting Officers are empowered to enter premises (after informing occupants) for activities such as fever surveillance, blood sample collection, treatment, identification of mosquito breeding sites, and implementation of anti-larval measures, insecticide spraying, and fogging. Residents and occupants are required to cooperate fully and ensure that no conditions (like stagnant water in containers, tyres, or pits) promote mosquito breeding. Authorities can also direct removal of such breeding sources and enforce preventive actions.
Local bodies are given additional responsibilities, including mandatory outdoor fogging from April to December, maintaining adequate equipment and resources, and imposing penalties in cases of repeated mosquito breeding. Development authorities like GMADA and PUDA must regulate construction and land use to prevent water stagnation and support enforcement actions. Public and contractors are obligated to avoid water accumulation during construction and fill pits after work completion.
The regulations also prescribe strict health protocols for malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, including mandatory reporting, testing (microscopy/RDT/ELISA), data entry on the IHIP portal, and adherence to government treatment guidelines. District Task Forces will plan control strategies, and health staff cannot be diverted to non-health duties during peak transmission months (July–December). Violations are punishable under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the rules remain valid for two years, and actions taken in good faith are protected from legal proceedings.
[Notification No. HFW-HLH405A/5/2024-3H4-I/1406606/2026]
