Suffering coupled with misery is plaguing Dhaka inhabitants with mosquito infestation on the rise.
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are already struggling to keep themselves safe. Now in addition, they have to be careful about mosquito bites in addition to protecting themselves from diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya.
Residents are seeking solutions to this menacing problem claiming that no adequate measures are being taken by the city corporations.
The breeding grounds of mosquitoes extend to different areas of Dhaka due to water stagnation in drains and negligence in keeping the city clean. This time of the year is considered as ideal for the breeding of mosquitoes.
Even though Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) are working to mitigate the sufferings of the people, their actions are not proving effective. People are not being able to keep their windows and doors open even during the day.
Salahuddin Tarek, a resident of Bashundhara said, “We have been using coils and aerosols even during the day to keep the mosquitoes away. To breathe peacefully during the day has become challenging these days.”
People have been also complaining about the pesticides used in fogger machines being adulterated.
In order to control the breeding of mosquitoes, Dhaka North City Corporation is launching a mosquito extermination programme along with mobile court operations starting from today. The drive will continue till 28th February.
Zonal Executive Officer of zone-02, Dhaka North City Corporation and Executive Magistrate ASM Shafiul Azam said, while conducting mobile courts if any work is observed that may increase mosquito infestation, fines will be extracted, and depending on the severity of the crime, lawsuits will be filed. When asked about the extension of this operation he said, primarily we have decided to conduct the drive till 28 February, but necessary actions will be taken later if the need arises.
