Guntur Municipal Corporation deploys AI drones for anti-mosquito drive

Guntur: In response to a surge in complaints over mosquito infestation, the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) launched an intensive anti-mosquito drive titled "Mission Mosquito," deploying AI-based drones to eliminate mosquito larvae across the city. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, municipal commissioner K Mayur Ashok said the civic body turned to advanced technology to safeguard public health and curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As part of the drive, drones are being used to spray larvicidal chemicals over major water bodies and stagnant zones where mosquito breeding is rampant."The large-scale operation covers 26 major ponds and low-lying areas with stagnant sewage, spanning a total of 174 acres across the city. Conventional methods that were followed in the past had limitations, as dense vegetation, such as water hyacinth and thick aquatic growth, made it difficult and risky for malaria staff to enter water bodies and manually spray chemicals. Moreover, the results from such efforts were often inadequate," said Mayur Ashok.He said that they have introduced AI-enabled drones that can fly at low altitudes over water surfaces and precisely target mosquito breeding hotspots to overcome these challenges. The drones are spraying Temephos larvicide directly onto areas where larvae develop, ensuring higher efficiency and better coverage. Apart from drone operations in water bodies, the GMC will continue regular fogging and anti-larval measures in all wards of the city. He noted that the use of drones significantly reduces time and manpower while enabling access to otherwise unreachable areas, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of the drive. However, the commissioner stressed that civic efforts alone would not be sufficient without public participation. He urged residents to prevent water stagnation in and around their homes and to observe a weekly "dry day" every Friday. Citizens were advised to empty water from discarded items such as old containers, tyres and flower pots. Such preventive measures, he said, are crucial in protecting communities from seasonal diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya.