Hyderabad: Drone sprays anti-larval chemicals in Musi

Malakpet: Following complaints from residents of Malakpet, particularly those who are staying on the banks of Musi river, the GHMC Entomology Department started a special drive by using effective chemical spraying by drones, near Chaderghat on Thursday. Malakpet MLA, Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala oversaw the entire operation.

According to GHMC entomology wing, the drones covered areas Moosa Nagar, Chaderghat and Azampura. "There were complaints from locals of increased mosquito menace, hence we decided to take up the measure in these areas," said an official. According to officials, the drones are being used at places where humans could not reach easily and spray the insecticide. Each drone has the capacity of carrying around 7 litres of spray chemical and men with technical know-how operate these machines. "After receiving complaint about mosquitos, we forwarded the complaint to the Lakes Wing of the GHMC, which will send the drone, based on the availability and priority of the operation," official informed.

"We undertook this operation to ensure these localities become mosquito free. This was first time that entomology officials were conducting this operation with the help of drones in Malakpet areas which will continue for a month in different areas," said Ahmed Balala.

It may be mentioned here that the use of drones for controlling mosquito menaces began in the beginning of 2019, after GHMC decided to take up anti-larval operations in Musi corridor from Attapur to Nagole to contain breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

Earlier in January, GHMC officials along with Charminar MLA, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated mosquito drone spray for controlling mosquito breeding in Musi waters, which was first time in the Charminar Zone.