A survey by the SDMC malaria team has found an alarming number of overhead tanks in residential pockets uncovered and infested with Aedes larvae
A survey by the municipal corporation has found mosquito larva in an alarming number of uncovered overhead tanks in Dwarka DDA pockets. SDMC officials are now planning to send notices followed by challans to those societies and pockets where mosquito larva has been found.
Malaria inspector Rohtash Singh said, "In our inspection of the Sector 23 DDA pockets, we found almost 50 per cent of the overhead water tanks uncovered and infested with the Aedes mosquito larva, which is responsible for dengue. We have administered anti-larva medicine and asked the people and the RWAs to be aware of the problem.”
Rohtash added that the survey was aimed at making the sub-city a zero-breeding area. He said, “The Aedes mosquito usually breeds in the rainy season, around July, but we have found Aedes larvae in overhead tanks even now. The Culex variety, which is relatively harmless as it is not a vector for any disease, is usually found this time of the year, breeding in drains and other places where stagnant water collects. However, despite being harmless, they are still a nuisance, hence we are spraying anti-larva medicine in drains to control breeding."
"However, according to the survey, the reason behind increasing mosquito density this time of the year is the open overhead water tanks. I have requested all households and RWAs to keep their tanks clean and covered," he added.
Singh said that the SDMC would first send notices, and if the tanks were still found to be uncovered, the particular RWAs would be penalised, as per the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.
RWAs and other resident bodies have welcomed the inspection and the awareness being spread by the SDMC malaria team.
President of Dwarka Forum, Rejimon CK, said, “This is a good initiative by the SDMC. I will support whatever fine it levies on RWAs if their overhead tanks are not covered.”
