The Kochi Corporation has announced an escalation in mosquito-control efforts following complaints from residents about a surge in pest attacks. The civic body has amplified centralized fogging operations across all divisions, aiming to cover five divisions each day. The intensified fogging is particularly focused on West Kochi and central city areas, with plans to complete one round of fogging in all divisions within a week, as stated by T. K. Ashraf, the chairperson of the Health Standing Committee of the Kochi Corporation.
To address pest-related concerns in narrow by-lanes and small roads, vehicle-mounted spraying machines, including those on two-wheelers, will be deployed. Power sprayers will also be utilized if necessary. The civic body ensures an adequate number of sprayers and larvicides to support these efforts.
In a bid to strengthen pest control measures, the corporation is in the process of recruiting 150 laborers. The recruitment paperwork is anticipated to be completed within a couple of days. These laborers, led by health inspectors, will contribute to expanding mosquito control initiatives. In addition to larvicide applications in drains and other breeding areas, the workers will conduct door-to-door campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in houses and other structures.
The recent intermittent showers in the city are expected to have washed away larvae from drains, providing some relief from pest attacks, according to Ashraf.
Residents are urged to support the campaign by eliminating standing water in households, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Suggestions include drying up pools of water, sealing septic tanks, and covering air pipes of toilets with nets to prevent the escape of mosquitoes bred in septic tanks. The collective efforts aim to mitigate the impact of pest-related challenges in the region.
