HYDERABAD: The intensified anti-larval measures taken up by the civic authorities during the recent outbreak of chikungunya and dengue in the twin cities do not seem to have had a positive impact. Several areas continue to be mosquito-breeding centres on a large scale, researchers of the Vector Biology and Control Laboratory of the Osmania University have found.

The laboratory officials found large density of mosquito larvae in the water samples collected from different locations. The samples were taken from Attapur, Bapughat, Moosarambagh, Dhoolpet, Ramantapur, Necklace Road, Singaadi Kunta near hotel Taj Krishna, Golconda and areas near Saroornagar lake.

The density was 2,000 to 2,100 larvae per dip of water in these areas on an average, while the normal limit is less than 200 larvae per dip of water. Each dip of water contains about 300 ml.

The uni-dimensional method of using only chemicals to curb mosquito menace, perhaps, was the reason for this, the researchers surmise.

Networking crucial

"Instead, an integrated mosquito management using physical, chemical and biological methods should have been taken up.

Networking of various agencies involved in the effort is also crucial. Mosquito control is continual exercise and results can not be expected by taking once-in-a-year anti-larval drive," says Fellow Researcher with UGC on vector control B. Reddya Naik. The Vector Control Department would be submitting these recommendations in the national-level workshop on Integrated Mosquito Management to be held on Monday through MCH Commissioner Sanjay Jaju.

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