MKB Nagar residents fear Zika, demand anti-mosquito drive

Mosquito menace is a permanent problem in the city and their density has increased terribly after the December floods. According to RK Shanmugasundaram, the nearby Cotton Canal which carries sewage from the surrounding areas had spilled into the residential area inundating the colony to a depth of four feet. 

While flood water receded after a few days, the residents faced a new problem in the form of mosquitoes. R Rajalakshmi of the locality lamented that doors and windows had to be closed by 5.45 in the evening. Otherwise, there could be no escape from the flying marauders. “We have tried using all kinds of mosquito repellents. But with grandchildren and others developing allergy to them, we have no option but to close all our doors and windows,” she said. 

Rajabhadar, an electrician and plumber, said: “We have to spend nearly Rs.200 a month on mosquito repellents which are of no use.” “The locals are now scared that they may be attacked by the dreaded Zika virus which is spread by mosquitoes,” Shanmugasundaram said. 

Housewives who used to visit the local Balasubramania Lakshminarayanan temple in the colony find it difficult to while away their time in the temple premises without mosquito coils. “Except for the sanctum sanctorum, no place in the temple free from mosquito menace,” according to CK Bhaskar who looks after upkeep of the temple.

“Though I made nearly four representations to the local ward office, there has been no response”, Shanmugasundaram said. “Ward officials told me that with more than 300 streets in the colony, those taking up fogging could cover a street only once in 20 days,” he added. But even that assurance was not kept. 

Ward officials said, “Compared to the same time last year, mosquito density — which measures larvae and adult mosquitoes — was less this year. One manual operator and four vehicle mounted machines are covering the entire area according to plan and this is clear from the fact there have been fewer complaints over the phone.” They also claimed that removal of waste material like old tyres and anti-malaria spraying done regularly to keep the area clean had helped a lot to contain the mosquito menace.