Staff Correspondent
Published:11 May 2022, 10:36 AM
DSCC launches anti-mosquito drive ahead of monsoon
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has started anti-mosquito drive in the city ahead of monsoon season when Aedes mosquitos thrive and dengue cases surge.
DSCC carried out larvicide operations at Dhaka University’s Central Library area on Monday.
“It's not possible to destroy mosquitos without everyone’s cooperation. We want everyone to cooperate which is why we began the work early this year,” DSCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Farid Ahmed said.
The Dhaka South authorities have undertaken a year-long initiative to reduce the dengue-spreading Aedes mosquito and the Culex mosquito.
“We have separated the seasons for the Culex and Aedes mosquitoes and undertaken fitting initiatives. The Directorate General of Health Services will also be helping us,” he said.
Earlier, before the mosquito season began, the DGHS carried out three surveys--pre-monsoon, monsoon, and after-monsoon.
“Seven DSCC wards were found to be at risk during the pre-monsoon survey,” said Farid, adding that they have hired new entomologists who are providing fortnightly updates.
He said that not only will combing operations be carried out at the wards that are at risk, the DSCC will also carry out drives at the wards not surveyed by the DGHS but where their entomologists found larvae.
The three-day anti-mosquito drives will be carried out in two phases. Around 13 workers will carry out larvicide in the morning while 13 will carry out fogging to destroy the adult mosquitos.
“The most important part of controlling Aedes is to create awareness and source reduction,” Farid said, adding that DSCC was doing both.
Aedes mosquito eggs can remain active for up to a year and turn into larvae when in contact with water.
“Which is why we will divide each ward into 10 sub-wards and allocate volunteers to visit places with possible infestation,” he said.
Moreover, from June 15 onwards, mobile court operations will be carried out as part of the mosquito drives.
Farid said they have already written to the public administration ministry for the appointment of 10 executive magistrates.
However, no one will be fined if larvae are found at their place for the first time. But repetition will lead to strict steps from the authorities.
He added that on May 16, the DSCC will meet with different stakeholders including Wasa, TTE, Rajuk, and metro rail authorities.
He said many of their spots are left “uncared for,” where Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs. “If they do not become conscious, we will bring them under the law,” the DSCC CEO said.
He said that kerosene and bleaching powder are also effective in destroying larvae, which is why bleaching powder will be available for the public at the ward councilor’s office after June 15.