Mumbai: In a recent fortnight-long drive, the BMC insecticide department identified and destroyed 1,488 breeding sites of malaria larvae and tackled 11,234 dengue hotspots. Additionally, to reduce the risk of leptospirosis, the BMC successfully eradicated 10,687 rats.
The civic body undertakes regular drives to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites across the city during the monsoon season. A focused effort was made in slums and shanty-like areas between September 1 and 14. This joint initiative, involving pest control, medical officer of health, SWM department and maintenance department, was aimed at removing potential breeding sites.
According to civic data, a comprehensive survey was conducted across 5.88 lakh households, in which 89,000 blood samples were collected for testing. Additionally, 54 health camps were organised during the period to detect malaria and dengue cases.
A civic official said, “All societies and commercial complexes are urged to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito breeding on their properties. This includes removing all items left outside that may collect rainwater during the monsoon. In addition, intensive indoor thermal fumigation is carried out in areas where vector breeding is detected and in the houses of dengue patients.”
Apart from the efforts of municipal employees, the BMC also takes the help of private agencies to assist in eliminating rats. Recent data from the BMC shows that 652 cases of malaria, 705 cases of dengue, 35 cases of leptospirosis and 326 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported in the last 14 days.
1st to 14th September..
Malaria Control
Number of houses inspected : 10,005
Number of containers and odd items inspected: 27,293
Number of Anopheles mosquito breeding sites destroyed: 1,488
Dengue control:
No. of houses inspected : 5,68,122
No. of containers inspected : 6,14,879
Number of Aedes mosquito breeding sites destroyed: 11,234
Odd articles removed – 34,496
Old tyres removed – 994
Fogging in buildings – 20,411
In slum areas – 3,13,233