Panvel civic body launches special anti-mosquito drive amid dengue, malaria risk

Panvel civic body starts special spraying drive to prevent mosquito-borne diseases (Pic/Special arrangement)

Considering the decline in rainfall since the last week of August, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a special smoke spraying and house-to-house survey campaign to prevent the spread of dengue, malaria and other insect-borne diseases.

The Panvel civic body's Health Department is implementing the campaign in accordance with guidelines under the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme. Considering the situation, PMC Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale has appealed to citizens to actively participate in preventing mosquito breeding around the area.

As part of the drive launched by the municipal corporation, health workers are conducting door-to-door surveys across the municipal limits and identifying potential mosquito breeding sites. Measures include removing stagnant and contaminated water, smoke spraying, administering larvicides at necessary locations and releasing guppy fish in water bodies that cannot be emptied.

Panvel Municipal Corporation initiates smoking spray in several areas

Deputy Commissioner Dr Vaibhav Vidhate said, "Special drug spraying and smoke-fumigation drives have recently been conducted in Turbhe, Rohinjan, Devicha Pada, Padghe village, Navde village, Tondre village, Pisarve village and Awe Camp areas."

As per the officials, "Health workers have also distributed awareness leaflets to households in villages and are educating residents about dengue and malaria prevention. The civic administration has also appealed to people suffering from suspected fever to undergo blood tests."

Citizens urged to observe weekly 'dry day'

The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) while conducting awareness programmes in homes and schools, has further urged the citizens to observe a 'dry day' once a week.

Residents have been advised to empty and clean water tanks, barrels, cisterns and other water storage containers at least once a week. Water tanks should be kept tightly covered to prevent mosquito breeding.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Anand Gosavi has also urged residents to ensure that water does not accumulate in scrap materials, broken containers, tyres and other discarded items, which can become mosquito breeding grounds.

The civic administration from the Panvel Municipal Corporation has further appealed to residents to cooperate with health workers during the surveys and take preventive measures to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.