Telangana Govt Orders Urgent Anti-Mosquito Drive Across Hyderabad

Concerned over the increasing mosquito menace in Hyderabad, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to immediately intensify prevention and control measures across the city. The directive follows a surge in public complaints and concerns raised by elected representatives during the recently held Hyderabad district’s 99-day action programme .

The minister asked GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan to strengthen entomological surveillance within the municipal limits to closely monitor mosquito density and identify breeding hotspots. Officials were instructed to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya , which typically rise during favourable breeding conditions.

As part of the strategy, authorities will analyse data from the past three years to locate the most vulnerable neighbourhoods and deploy specialised entomology teams for regular monitoring. Mosquito breeding sources will be geo-tagged , while larval density mapping will be used to assess the severity of infestations and guide targeted intervention measures.

The GHMC has also been asked to conduct 100 percent fever surveillance in areas with high mosquito density to ensure early detection of potential disease outbreaks. Based on cases reported in the last 12 months , officials will prepare ward-level micro action plans focusing on high-risk locations such as schools, construction sites, water storage areas and slum settlements , which are commonly prone to stagnant water accumulation.

To reduce mosquito breeding, the civic body will organise a weekly “Dry Day” campaign , encouraging residents to eliminate standing water in their homes and surrounding areas. Preventive measures will include the use of Temephos larvicide , introduction of larva-eating fish in water bodies , and the release of oil balls in ponds and drains to control larval growth.

In localities identified as hotspots, health teams will conduct door-to-door fever monitoring , and special fever camps may be organised when required to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

The minister also stressed the need for community participation in tackling the issue. GHMC will organise special sanitation drives , while awareness programmes in schools will educate students about maintaining clean surroundings and preventing mosquito breeding. Authorities also plan to promote a public awareness initiative encouraging residents to dedicate 10 minutes every Sunday to inspect their homes and remove stagnant water.

Emphasising that mosquito control requires collective effort, Prabhakar urged citizens to cooperate with civic authorities and maintain hygienic surroundings to reduce the risk of seasonal diseases in Hyderabad.