Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad
Mosquito menace turns nightmare for colonies around Uppal M. Sai Gopal
Experts see unscientific approach in taking up anti-larval measures
Experts see unscientific approach in taking up anti-larval measures
HYDERABAD: Come evening, swarms of mosquitoes descend on the colonies of Uppal. Residents are accustomed to the incessant buzz.
The insects are wreaking havoc in colonies around Uppal as cases of malaria, viral fever, typhoid have become quite common. Sri Sri Colony, Bharatnagar, Balajinagar and Sri Rama Colony, to name a few, are under the grip of the menace despite official claim that frequent fogging and anti-larval measures are in place.
Studies conducted by Vector Biology and Control Laboratory of Osmania University point out that the banks of Uppal lake are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Larvae per Dip of Water (LVPD) in the Uppal lake hover around 450 to 500 while the safety limit for the larval growth is about 50 to 60 LVPD. Researchers recently collected several samples of the water in the vicinity of Uppal lake after the spurt of chikungunya in the area.
Excessive green grass
Officials point out to the growth of excessive green grass along the banks of the lake. "We take up fogging and use phenyl spray in the local market yards to get rid of mosquitoes. The grass here provides ideal conditions for breeding," Sanitary Inspector for Uppal Municipality M. Narendra said, adding that the locals prefer growing the grass that is sold as fodder for livestock in the market.
Experts point out that an unscientific approach in taking up anti-larval measures is the reason for unchecked mosquito breeding.
"Sanitation staff should be given proper training to take up anti-larval measures. Even the contractor in-charge does not know how to take up anti-larval measures," researcher with the Vector Control laboratory B. Reddya Naik said.
http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/30/stories/2006083021720300.htm
The insects are wreaking havoc in colonies around Uppal as cases of malaria, viral fever, typhoid have become quite common. Sri Sri Colony, Bharatnagar, Balajinagar and Sri Rama Colony, to name a few, are under the grip of the menace despite official claim that frequent fogging and anti-larval measures are in place.
Studies conducted by Vector Biology and Control Laboratory of Osmania University point out that the banks of Uppal lake are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Larvae per Dip of Water (LVPD) in the Uppal lake hover around 450 to 500 while the safety limit for the larval growth is about 50 to 60 LVPD. Researchers recently collected several samples of the water in the vicinity of Uppal lake after the spurt of chikungunya in the area.
Excessive green grass
Officials point out to the growth of excessive green grass along the banks of the lake. "We take up fogging and use phenyl spray in the local market yards to get rid of mosquitoes. The grass here provides ideal conditions for breeding," Sanitary Inspector for Uppal Municipality M. Narendra said, adding that the locals prefer growing the grass that is sold as fodder for livestock in the market.
Experts point out that an unscientific approach in taking up anti-larval measures is the reason for unchecked mosquito breeding.
"Sanitation staff should be given proper training to take up anti-larval measures. Even the contractor in-charge does not know how to take up anti-larval measures," researcher with the Vector Control laboratory B. Reddya Naik said.
http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/30/stories/2006083021720300.htm