PANJIM, JUNE 6 — The rampant construction boom has dealt a death knell for Colva and Benaulim in the form of unbelievable rise in malaria cases and the cries of the people in these areas against mega-housing projects now seem truly justified.

According to the Directorate of Health Services, the two places, which fall under the Cansaulim Primary Health Centre, have been declared as high-risk areas for malaria. Figures of five months (January-May) sought from DHS indicate malaria cases have shot up 74 times as compared to the same period last year.

Though there are places like Cansaulim, Majorda, Cavelossim, Betalbatim, Velsao and Seraulim under the Cansaulim PHC, majority of the cases reported are from Colva and Benaulim where construction is booming, say officials. This PHC had reported just three cases in 2007 between January and May and the figure for 2008 for the same period stands at an unbelievable 224. With the advent of the rainy season, the figure could escalate, officials fear.

Panjim and Candolim-Calangute have been declared as danger areas. In Panjim alone, from 652 cases in the first five months of last year, the figure for this year for the same period has shot up to 709. Out of the 709 reported, 339 were falciparum cases, while the remaining vivax.

In the Candolim-Calangute belt from last year’s 598, the number of reported cases in 2008 is 995, an increase of 66%. Out of these 995 cases, 266 were falciparum and the rest vivax.