Despite all initiatives of both the city corporations, mosquito nuisance is on the rise in the city making the dwellers miffed.Though, the government allocates sufficient funds every year and deploys necessary manpower to destroy mosquitoes, the city corporations have utterly failed to achieve the goal of controlling mosquitoes due to lack of proper plans and steps. For this reason, city dwellers face immense sufferings day and night.
They termed the city corporation activities 'eye wash'. According to the city corporations, around Tk 44 crores have been allocated this year like the previous period with the aim to control mosquito population. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has got an allocation of Tk 21 crore, while Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Tk 23 crore. They also got similar allocations last year. But surprisingly, there is no positive impact.
Many dwellers complained that, they are being affected with different mosquito borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya regularly. The number of deaths from such mosquito-borne diseases is also increasing day by day.
Experts said, "Use of fogger machines, taking crash programs and distributing leaflets in the name of awareness building will not come to help destroy mosquitoes.
Only two steps--cleaning wetlands and spraying mosquito-killing chemicals in the morning may help tackle mosquitoes. If the chemicals are spread in the morning to destroy mosquitoes' larva, its breeding will reduce. Otherwise, the effort may not be effective as spreading chemicals with fogger machines in the afternoon doesn't appear effective as per expectation. Besides, city corporations' authorities should stop using low quality chemicals in this purpose."
Arfaz Ali, a government official said, "There is no way to get rid from the onslaught of mosquitoes, even at home or office. Controlling mosquitoes by using coils or spray has now become futile. Consequently, the situation has turned into a nightmare."
Different areas including Kotbari canal, Jumai canal, Rajarbagh canal, Dhanmondi canal, Poribagh canal, Arambagh canal, Gopibagh canal, Dhalpur canal, Dholaykhal, Jatrabari canal and Kadamtali canal have turned into piles of garbage, which are safe zones for mosquito breeding. Alongside, Mirpur, Uttara, Mohammadpur, Hazaribagh, Matuail, Badda, Rampura, Banashree, Khilgaon, Fakirapul, Gabtoli, Shyamoli, Shere-bangla-nagor and Mohakhali have become their safe haven.
It has been complained that a large portion of the money allocated for mosquito control is pocketed through different malpractices. Brigadier General Jakir Hossain, Chief Health Officer of the DNCC said, "An institution named 'Agro Limit' used to supply mosquito killing chemicals to us. But, we have cancelled the deal due to rising question over standard of the chemical. Now, process is underway to collect chemicals from China.
DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon said, "There is no outbreak of mosquitoes in the city as drives are continuing on regular basis with priority. If someone claims such, he or she just lies.""We have started a hotline service. If someone calls us, our mosquito control team will reach his or her doorstep to provide service 24 hours," he added.
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