Take measures to halt mosquito menace with no delay
22 January 2021
THE
allegations of mosquito infestation by the city dwellers are on the rise
in almost all areas of the capital Dhaka this winter. The two city
corporations are trying to control mosquito breeding by spraying
insecticides across the city area. However, all activities taken to
control the mosquito menace become futile, resulting in spreading
malaria, dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. As we
undergoing pandemic, social distance and health hygiene maintenance have
grabbed extra attention of the authority. The government seems
nonchalant to stop mosquito menace and the city corporations may not
fully in control of mosquito breeding, and therefore dengue outbreak
is still a threat during the picking season.
As both city
corporations of Dhaka have failed to clean the water bodies in time,
many areas have been riddled with severe mosquito problem since the
arrival of winter. In the absence of clean-up initiative, water bodies
have become mosquito breeding grounds. But two or three months back, the
situation was fine due to action taken by City Corporation after the
dengue outbreak. Now once again, the mosquito menace has turned acute.
We urged the authority concern to take urgent steps to tackle the
mosquito menace at the airport area for a good image of our country.
Experts said breeding of Culex mosquito multiplied this time. Experts
said that the number of Culex mosquitoes, which spread diseases like
filaria and avian malaria, has gone out of control in Dhaka. The factors
which are mainly to be blamed for the situation are lack of effective
measures by the city corporations and the absence of proper logistics.
The covered manholes also aggravate the problem. This is because sprays
cannot reach the stagnant water beneath the covered manholes. This then
becomes ideal breeding grounds for Culex.
From mid-February, the rise
in temperature is leading to increase in organic matter in water
bodies. This provides food as well as a conducive breeding environment
to mosquitoes. In consequence, existing larvae will mature in the next
fortnight. Unless larvicide is sprayed extensively, the situation then
may turn serious. The trend in rising mosquito population will continue
if city corporations do not start taking effective measures right now.
This will invite a disaster for city dwellers. This is true for almost
all cities in the country.