Thane: Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) have lodged an official complaint with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and demanded action after several cases of vector-borne diseases were reported from a posh school in Pokhran.

“Over 45 students and at least five teachers are currently affected with malaria and dengue. The party has formally urged the TMC to halt all classes until health concerns are resolved,” according to Sandeep Pachange, general secretary, MNVS, the youth wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

MNVS decided to take up the matter after parents sought their intervention as they were fearful their wards will be targeted and also because earlier complaints had fallen on deaf ears, Pachange said.

According to concerned parents there has been a spike in the number of vector-borne diseases due to ongoing construction work in the school. In a letter to the school management, MNVS have demanded immediate pest control and fumigation of the campus, as well as the installation of mosquito nets, eco-friendly trapping devices, and better ventilation through additional fans in classrooms.

Till the situation stabilised, MNVS demanded closure of the school and teaching activities be held online, Pachange said.

TMC's education officer Kamalkant Mehtre said a probe has been launched into the matter. "An inquiry is going on. We will take the necessary steps on a priority basis," Mehtre said.