Patnaites request authorities to intensify anti-larval operations

PATNA: Amid a rise in

dengue

cases, Patnaites are demanding the authorities concerned to ramp up anti-larval operations and fumigation in the city. As many as 90 cases, which were mostly from Patna City, Kankerbagh, Pirbahore, Bakerganj, Transport Nagar, and Patliputra, have been reported here so far.

Many residents told this reporter that stagnation of water in many localities was leading to vector-borne diseases. They also alleged that the amount of fogging was negligible.

Subodh Goel, a chartered accountant and resident of Bandar Bagicha, said he had not seen fogging vehicles for almost a month. “Fogging should be done timely after a short interval to keep the area clean. The civic body should take preventive measures to control the breeding of mosquitoes especially after rainfall,” he added.

“The health department and the civic body say that fogging has been intensified in different areas, but I have not seen it,” claimed Pallavi Asmita, a resident of Kadamkuan.

Swapnil, a resident of Patliputra Colony, pointed out, “We keep the doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure. The number of mosquitoes has increased in my area. Hence, fogging and anti-larval operations should be done once a week in every locality especially after monsoon.”

Patna civil surgeon Dr Vibha Kumari Singh said the cases of dengue had started rising after the monsoon season.

Rakesh Kumar Singh, executive officer of Bankipore circle, claimed that they covered the 12 wards on a roaster basis. “We are trying to cover as many areas as possible at least once a week. We are also responding to the complaints that we receive from the residents,” he told this newspaper.

The executive officer of Kankerbagh circle, S B Prasad, said, anti-larval operation is a regular exercise in places which are close to open drains. “Bleaching powder has been sprayed in areas where there is stagnant water. Fumigation is done on roaster basis,” he said.