Hyderabad: No funds to fight mosquitoes

Hyderabad: The number of fogging and anti-larva operations in all the 18 circles of Greater Hyderabad have been drastically cut short, apparently due to delays in sanction of funds.

The GHMC entomology team fell short of funds between end of April and May, which led to shortage of fuel for day-to-day fogging operations, said officials when residents complained. Every month, the entomology department is sanctioned around Rs 5 lakh depending on the area of the circle and the number of fogging vehicles.

Fogging and anti-larva operations were fewer at Lower Tank Bund, Gandhinagar, Methodist Colony-Begumpet, Golnaka-Alwal, Kapra-Sainikpuri, Mini Tank Bund, Uppal and areas around Durgam Cheruvu etc.

Gayatri Srinivasan, a resident of Methodist Colony, said, “Since we face the Hussainsagar,  we had to suffer the mosquito menace from February 15 till the end of April. Once a week, the fogging vehicle made trips, though it was badly needed every second day. The circle officers complained of insufficient fuel to carry out these trips. Not many anti-larva operations were conducted as well.”

While 20 litre of fuel is needed every day, in May the amount was reduced to 10 litre. GHMC entomologist chief V. Venkatesh said that fogging operations had been reduced by 50 per cent in May since the temperature had peaked and mosquito density had reduced (mosquitoes don’t survive above 39ºC). However, the plan will be rescheduled during the monsoon.

GHMC commissioner Somesh Kumar said, “There is no fund-related problem. At times, there might be a delay or a block, but the civic body has adequate funds. However, fogging does not help, anti-larva operations are needed. It is a psychological feeling that fogging drives away mosquitoes, but there is no guarantee. All the 18 circles will now have scheduled plans, it will be mandatory for officials to visit every independent house and apartment.”

“Officers might have wanted to escape their duty citing delay in funds. Instead of approaching officers, one must directly call the call centre on 155302 so that the complaint is recorded,” he added.