Navi Mumbai Civic Body Intensifies Anti-Mosquito Drive at 270 Construction Sites to Prevent Dengue and Malaria

To prevent the spread of dengue and malaria during the monsoon, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up its anti-mosquito campaign with a special drive covering 270 construction sites across the city.

Construction sites are considered high-risk areas for mosquito breeding due to stagnant water accumulating in pits, excavations and unfinished structures. To tackle this, the civic body's Health Department has mapped all sites under the jurisdiction of its 26 Urban Primary Health Centres and implemented a fixed weekly schedule for anti-larval treatment and inspections.

According to NMMC, 152 construction sites employ up to 50 workers, while 45 sites have a workforce of 51 to 100 people. Another 40 sites have more than 100 workers, and 33 locations are currently excavated plots awaiting the start of construction. Altogether, around 14,390 workers are employed across these sites.

As part of the preventive campaign, health teams are conducting regular inspections, anti-larval spraying, chemical fogging, granular larvicide treatment and health camps for construction workers. Guppy fish, which naturally feed on mosquito larvae, have been released into stagnant water bodies at 265 construction sites to help control mosquito breeding.

The civic body also said anti-larval powder has been sprayed in the labour camps housing 3,560 construction workers over the past three months. Following every treatment, health officials carry out follow-up inspections to ensure the measures are effective and prevent fresh mosquito breeding.

A senior NMMC Health Department official said anti-larval treatment is being carried out at all construction sites every week throughout the monsoon, with health supervisors and officers regularly monitoring the locations.

The official also urged builders and residents to cooperate by eliminating stagnant water, maintaining clean surroundings and removing potential mosquito breeding spots.

Mayor Sujata Suraj Patil and Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde have appealed to citizens to support the civic body's efforts by preventing water stagnation, clearing discarded materials from terraces and open spaces, and maintaining hygiene in and around their homes.

The NMMC emphasised that sustained preventive measures, regular inspections and active public participation are essential to keeping dengue and malaria under control during the monsoon season.