BANGALORE: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BMP) mosquito control programme to check spread of diseases caused by mosquitoes is losing fizz. While regular spraying of insecticides is found to be ineffective, the recently launched fogging operations are not being carried out in interior areas.

A few concerned citizens, who have observed the spraying and fogging operations in several parts of the city, have noticed that the gangmen involved in the anti-larvae operations dilute the chemical with water before spraying.

"The spraying is of no use because there is little chemical in the tank mounted on the gangman's back. I have seen the person fill the tank with water near my house," S. Shashidhar, a resident of Govindrajnagar, said.

Although the authorities have directed the Medical Officers of Health to monitor the anti-larvae operations and ensure that the chemical tanks are mounted on a vehicle and not on the person's back, the gangmen continue to carry the tanks.

"As a full tank is heavy to carry, the gangmen probably fill it with little chemical and keep adding water as and when it gets exhausted. That is why, we find no difference even after the chemical is sprayed," Muniveerappa, a resident of Magadi Road, said.

Insecticides are sprayed only on the main roads.

The interior lanes and cross roads, where spraying is needed, are neglected.

Residents of low-lying areas such as Bismillahnagar, Gurappanapalya and Ejipura said they had never seen anyone spraying chemical in their area.

"We have been staying here for years and have rarely seen any gangmen spray chemicals," K. Gauri, a resident of Ejipura, said.

Chikungunya threat

In view of the rise in cases of Chikungunya in the city, BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj had directed the health officials to initiate fogging operations in all slums, low-lying areas and mosquito-infested localities.

"If areas like Bismillahnagar and Ejipura are left out, what is the use of fogging?," asked Mujeeb Ahmed, a resident of Gurappanapalya.

BMP Deputy Commissioner (Health) Manu Baligar told The Hindu on Friday that such complaints had not come to his notice.

Strict action would be taken against the officials concerned if they did not monitor the operations.

Pointing out that an entomologist had been appointed to guide the operations, Mr. Baligar said:

"I have been monitoring fogging operations on a continuous basis through surprise inspections. I have asked all 30 medical officers of health to inform me about the fogging locations on a day-to-day basis.

"All low-lying areas, open drains, bushes and mosquito-infested localities will be covered under this intensive drive."

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