What must be done to curb mosquito menace in the city?

THE BEST

Mosquito menace can be curbed only by joint action by both the public and GHMC officials. To prevent mosquito breeding, we have to take anti-larval measures and not allow water to stagnate. If there is stagnant water, a drop or two of kerosene must be added to it. The water in coolers and overhead tanks must be changed every week. GHMC officials supply gambusia fish which eats the larvae of mosquitoes. The public should allow GHMC officials to spray pesticides in houses. The public and the government must join hands to maintain the environment clean and healthy. E. Aparna Santhoshnagar, Saidabad, Hyderabad (Congratulations Ms E. Aparna! You win `150 which you may collect from our office before Friday)

II

T o curb mosquito menace, we should identify areas where a large number of mosquitoes are found. The repairing of pipe-lines undertaken by GHMC leaves the road with potholes. After rains, they become breeding centres for mosquitoes. Therefore, the main solution is to fill the potholes. Pest control should be a regular affair to reduce the risk of diseases.

III

C itizens should be careful about garbage. We should use separate bins for solid and liquid waste. If we separate garbage that way, we can control mosquito menace to some extent. Authorities sho-uld intimate citizens about the risk associated with mosquitoes. The GHMC should create awareness urging citizens to keep their surroundings clean to avoid mosquito menace.

IV

T here should be regular GHMC checks in all localities. The surroundings of dustbins should be clean. They should ensure that no stagnant water collects near dustbins. GHMC officials should conduct defogging regularly. Citizens should see to it that the terrace and other places do not turn into breeding places. We should take precautions by using mosquito nets near windows. We should also see that garbage is dumped properly in the dustbin.

V

T he GHMC will have to clear trash from every house and cover all drainage holes in the city as they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They must move the garbage bins from public places and replace all damaged bins and their lids. Fogging must be carried out regularly. The citizens have an important role to play in mosquito control. They must ensure that water does not stagnate anywhere.

VI

T he GHMC should cover all the dug up areas which can act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Moreover people should be aware of keeping their surroundings clean. The GHMC should clean all public places. Keeping surroundings clean can reduce mosquitoes.