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VOICE YOUR VIEWS - Tackling the mosquito menace

Malaria is caused by the female anopheles mosquito — one of the three kinds of mosquitoes contributing to the menace. The other two are the Aedes egypti and culex. While Anopheles and Aedes egypti breed in fresh water sources, culex, sometimes referred to as the nuisance mosquito, breeds in sewage water. These are the ones that are causing a huge problem in the city now. Controlling the mosquito menace is not just a tail-end solution, whether it is fogging the city roads, use of repellents or netting the windows at home. From conventional mosquito nets to coils, mats, creams, sprays, liquid-vaporisers and electric devices, the repellents market has no shortage of products. Incense sticks and herbal sprays have also found patronage. Chemicals such as pyrethrum used in most repellents could harm humans in the long run by triggering asthma and other allergic symptoms. The real solution can be found only by keeping waterways and drainage systems clean and drinking boiled water.

Our company experiments with Eco-Bio-Blocks (EBB), a bio-remediation technology from Japan, with the help of the local municipality, to rid of the mosquito menace. Much to the surprise of the locals, a reduction in the number of larvae has been observed. The experiment will be done for about three weeks and the report will be submitted to the municipality. The Eco-Bio-Blocks use slow-release bacteria which cleans the polluted water, thereby eliminating the mosquitoes from breeding.

Stretches of private lands are left unused by owners for value appreciation. The residents in the surrounding areas convert these lands to unauthorised garbage dumping grounds. To add to this when water stagnates here, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stringent action must be taken against such owners for leaving their lands unattended. The Corporation authorities especially the Health Inspectors should conduct regular inspections and help tackle the menace.

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