Mosquito menace throws up challenge to VMC

Vijayawada: Controlling mosquito menace has become a great challenge for the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC).
Stagnated water in canals and incomplete Storm water drains (SWD) turned into breeding hubs for mosquitoes.
The civic body has finally started a helpline to handle the mosquito menace and appointed 13 special officers to monitor anti larvae activities across the city.
The colonies, which are adjacent to Eluru, Ryves and Eluru canals in the city, are facing severe mosquito menace after the authorities stopped water from Prakasam barrage. Garbage and sewage wastes are entering into the canals and leading to the breeding of mosquitoes. As a result, the number of vector-borne diseases is on the rise in the city. Recent rains have added more to the problem.
“Sewage wastes released into the canals are causing mosquito menace and despite our repeated complaints, there is no response from the side of the civic body. We are unable to come out of the houses in the evening and using dangerous mosquito repellents, which are causing breathing problems,” said P Anantha Lakshmi, a resident of Durgapuram.
Municipal commissioner J Nivas, responding to the issue, has deputed 13 special officers to handle the mosquito menace. Special teams were formed to monitor anti-larval activity in every circle coming under VMC.
“Our special teams has intensified the measures to control the mosquito menace and they are spraying the pesticide in blocked side drains. Oil balls are used to kill larvae in the stagnated water. A team of 60 sanitation staff will work in circle 3,” VMC officials said.
Special officers will monitor the daily activity of malaria wing of the civic body and provide the necessary logistics to the workers, according to the civic authorities.
“VMC requested residents to stop dumping garbage in canals and drains and support the door-to-door garbage collection drive. One can contact at VMC helpline 9949621993 in case of any issue relating to mosquito menace,” said J Nivas.