Canals turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes

VIJAYAWADA: Mosquitoes are posing a major menace in the city even in high summer. Especially those living in colonies adjacent to the canal bunds are victims to the menace.


Mosquitoes usually struggle for survival in summer with scorching heat and instances of vector-borne diseases come down. However, things changed for Vijayawada when the irrigation department stopped water supply to irrigation canals in April and the remaining stagnant water became a breeding hub for the mosquitoes.

“We are unable to open doors in the evening hours with severe mosquito menace. Four people in my family were attacked with a bout of Malaria this summer, which is unusual. All this happened after officials stopped the flow of water at Ryves canal,” said K Malleswara Rao, a teacher residing at Durga Agraharam.

On the other hand, in spite of cleanliness drives conducted by the district administration under ‘Nenu Saitham Krishnamma Sudi Sevalo’, untreated sewage is still flowing directly into the canals. Therefore, even in the heat, the canals are not drying up.

“Irrigation canals passing through Vijayawada city resembles the Musi. VMC should take the blame for polluting these canals as they are mixing sewage water directly into these canals. Water stagnant in these canals is helping mosquitoes to breed. Vectorborne diseases like Malaria are worrying public throughout the year and VMC officials are not bothered,” said CPM secretariat member Ch Babu Rao. Babu Rao urged district administration to clean the canals and help control the spread of mosquitoes.

Authorities of health wing of VMC said they are carrying out anti-larvae activities in the city and are focusing on canal bunds.