Gzb health dept to use eco-friendly chemicals to control mosquito breeding

To prevent outbreak of dengue in the approaching monsoon season, the district health department launched an anti-larvae campaign in the city. Teams of the department are surveying public areas and taking measures to control the breeding of mosquitoes.

To prevent outbreak of dengue in the approaching monsoon season, the district health department launched an anti-larvae campaign in the city. Teams of the department are surveying public areas and taking measures to control the breeding of mosquitoes.

Fogging is an effective way to curb breeding of mosquitoes. Measures to tackle dengue are in full swing in Noida. (HT File Photo)

Health department officials said that they are using eco-friendly insecticides and chemicals for the drive.

“The tablets used for killing aedis mosquito’s (dengue causing mosquitoes) larvae are improved this time and eco-friendly. Earlier, residents would complain that the tablets, once put in their water coolers, used to create a stink. However, this time, this will not be the case as the tablets are non-toxic and odourless,” said GR Mishra, district malaria officer.

He said that the chemicals that will be used for fogging activity will not cause irritation or uneasiness to residents.

“Asthma patients need not fear now as the chemical used for fogging this time will also be non-toxic and eco-friendly. It will not cause irritation in the eyes nor will it cause breathing problems,” he said.

“Suspected samples of dengue started coming in after May 15 and by June 15, as many as 20 samples had reached us. However, test results have shown that none of them have tested positive for dengue,” he said.

Under the anti-larvae campaign, medicines are being sprayed at waterlogged areas, sewers, drains and water coolers.

“At present, city areas are being surveyed for the presence of aedis mosquito larvae. Around 20 spots in Vaishali and Kuashambi areas have been found to have presence of such larvae. From July 1, the survey will be started at border areas such as Maharajpur, Shalimar Garden, Bhopura and UP gate,” Mishra said.