Residents in Hyderabad Complain About Mosquito Menace
Despite the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) claiming to carry out regular anti-larva operations, residents across the city are struggling with an increasing mosquito problem. Many have been losing sleep due to mosquito bites and are voicing their frustrations.
People from various areas have reported that the mosquito menace is making their lives miserable. Numerous complaints, both online and offline, have been submitted to the GHMC’s entomology wing. However, residents claim that the response from the authorities has been slow, leaving them vulnerable to the growing mosquito population.
“Mosquitoes are not letting us sleep at night. We’ve filed multiple complaints and even informed the local entomology wing, but nothing has been done. Our concerns are being ignored,” said Mohammed Ahmed, a resident of Himmatpura.
The problem has been reported in areas like Begumpet, Alwal, Secunderabad, Lower Tank Bund Road, Malkajgiri, Koti, Banjara Hills, Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Langar Houz, Mallepally, Santosh Nagar, Musheerabad, Rajendranagar, Goshamahal, Habsiguda, Kukatpally, Baghlingampally, and several parts of the Old City.
Srinath, a resident of Indiranagar in Jubilee Hills, added, “Using mosquito repellents isn’t helping. The recent unseasonal rains and uncollected garbage have made the situation even worse. We’re forced to deal with this problem every day.”
Many residents blame the sanitation department for failing to clean up garbage on time, which they believe is contributing to the mosquito problem. This lack of timely action has left citizens frustrated and worried about their health and well-being.
In response to these concerns, the GHMC’s entomology wing has increased its efforts. They have been conducting awareness campaigns under the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) program and are carrying out anti-larva operations. An official from the entomology wing stated, “We are regularly conducting anti-larva operations in targeted areas and have deployed special teams for indoor residual spraying.”
The GHMC is also testing a new initiative called “cool fogging.” This method uses a water-based insecticide instead of traditional fuel-based thermal fogging, making it safer and more effective. The pilot program has started in the Khairatabad zone, with plans to expand it citywide. “The new fogging method uses Deltamethrin, a chemical that is odourless and doesn’t require petrol or diesel. This makes it harmless to people,” said an entomology officer.
The city awaits the full implementation of these measures, hoping they will bring relief to residents struggling with the ongoing mosquito menace.