No good nights for Vijayawada residents as mosquitoes wage all out war
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Vijayawada: Residents of Vijayawada are grappling with a severe mosquito problem, which has worsened with the ongoing heat and high humidity. While daytime temperatures are making life difficult, nights are proving equally uncomfortable as mosquito bites keep citizens awake across many areas of the city.
Though the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has intensified efforts to tackle the mosquito menace, relief remains elusive. The civic body has launched several innovative measures, including drone spraying to destroy larvae in stagnant water bodies, fogging operations under culverts, and drainage maintenance to prevent water stagnation. Yet, the mosquito population continues to rise, especially in low-lying residential areas and near canals.
Despite routine anti-larval activities and public announcements, many residents complain that mosquitoes have become resistant to fogging, and the impact is short-lived. Citizens in areas like Patamata, Bhavanipuram, and Krishnalanka report severe mosquito bites every evening, making it nearly impossible to sleep without repellents or nets.
Health officials warn that if the situation persists, it may lead to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, especially during the upcoming monsoon months.
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The malaria wing of the VMC stated that mosquito density is being monitored and larvicide usage is being intensified in high-risk zones. However, VMC urged public cooperation and asked them to ensure that their homes and surroundings are free from stagnant water.
Meanwhile, VMC officials assured that night fogging schedules are being ramped up and new equipment is being deployed for wider coverage. "Special drives are in progress to kill mosquito larvae in stagnant water. Drones were used to spray anti-larvicide in remote locations. Gambuji fish will be left in stagnant water to kill larvae," said a senior official at the health wing of VMC.
As mosquito nuisance continues to disrupt daily life, the demand for a more aggressive city-wide vector control campaign is growing among residents and health experts alike.
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