Slipshod anti-larval operations draw flak

Hyderabad: In a knee-jerk reaction to the threat posed by the dengue and malaria-causing mosquitoes, the staff of civic body can be seen spraying insecticide all over the places supposed to be breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Rather than clearing off stagnant waters or garbage accumulated for days, municipal workers are merely conducting anti-larval operations, mostly in slums.

While welcoming the long-due measures from the civic authorities, the residents found that at some of the areas in city, the workers from entomology wing were seen just spraying insecticide anywhere, suspecting them to be breeding grounds, rather finding a solution to water-logging and drainage overflow etc. They were just spraying the insecticide in stagnant waters.

Even as the various departments are holding awareness programmes, free health camps and local leaders, corporators and even MLAs and other public representations also encouraging maintaining sanitary, this kind of unscientific approach by the authorities is being criticised. "The diseases spread from garbage, water stagnation, which is the main source of breeding for mosquitoes. First, the civic authorities must clear garbage or eliminate water stagnation points and then spray insecticide," felt Abdul Rahman, a social activist.

According to him, this phenomenon was because of lack of awareness amongst the municipal staff on the ground situation. Generally, this operation, too, is taken up only after locals complain. "The insecticide is being spread out on directions from locals anywhere they find it fit, but officials must understand that this kind of anti-larval operations would be of not help, as the problem is not resolved by identifying the root cause," he added.

He pointed that if the civic authorities performed their duty well like clearing garbage bins on time, stopping overflow of sewerage and drain water, and eliminate other water stagnation points, the problem would be solved.

When The Hans India contacted a municipal official, even he was surprised to know the ground realities. He also felt that only spraying the insecticide would not help in eliminating the breeding grounds. "At first, the area must be cleaned and then it should be sprayed upon. If proper procedure is employed, mosquito breeding will get affected and the diseases can be controlled," he added.