Preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat have been affected after 21 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for dengue. The affected personnel are part of a 40-member contingent that arrived from Assam to participate in the parade scheduled for October 31. The infections were detected after several personnel developed fever during their mandatory quarantine period. They are currently receiving treatment at the Ekta Nagar Trauma Centre, and their participation in the parade will depend on their recovery. The development has raised health concerns ahead of the annual celebrations held near the Statue of Unity to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
According to district health officials, around 10,000 personnel and other individuals have arrived in Ekta Nagar for the celebrations since October 20. The district has recorded 40 dengue cases during this period. Of the 75 people who reported various medical problems, 10 remain under observation, while two dengue patients have been referred to Vadodara’s SSG Hospital for critical care. Officials have clarified that the situation does not currently amount to an outbreak. To prevent further infections, health teams have intensified mosquito-control measures, including fogging, removing mosquito-breeding sites, chlorination and sanitation drives. Medical arrangements include a 100-bed hospital, doctors available around the clock, mobile healthcare units and five motorcycle ambulance teams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the National Unity Day celebrations on October 30 and 31, with the parade at the Statue of Unity remaining the main attraction.
