In a week-long drive, the insecticide department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) discovered 1,644 sites infested with dengue and 209 areas that contained malaria larvae. This was part of BMC's effort to keep the city mosquito-free, as the monsoon season is not too far away.
The data collected by the civic body reveals the extent of the problem. Between January and April, the pesticide department discovered 3,152 breeding sites for Anopheles mosquitoes, which are known to spread malaria. They also found 33,000 sources of Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for causing dengue.
Every year, right before the monsoon, BMC's insecticide department physically locates and eliminates mosquito breeding areas across the city. From January to March, the BMC issued notices to 5,252 complexes. These included both residential and commercial properties that had failed to take proper measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
The BMC doesn't work alone on this mission. The maintenance department, medical officer of health, solid waste management, and pest control agencies come together to organise a drive. This drive targets slums and similar areas to remove objects that could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
One of the main strategies of the BMC is indoor thermal fumigation. This is carried out in areas where dengue patients have been found and where there is a suspicion of vector breeding.
The BMC also sends letters to all societies and commercial spaces. These letters advise them to take the necessary safety measures to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their premises. One such measure is the removal of odd items left outside that could collect rainwater during the monsoon. Those who fail to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding may face legal consequences.
In 2022, the BMC launched an app called "Mumbai Against Dengue." This app provides a list of spots infested with dengue and malaria larvae. It also offers advice on measures that can be taken to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.
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