Hubli
Due to an increasing fear of the spread of dengue, the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has initiated a drive to curb the mosquito menace by using guppy fish.
The civic authorities released over 50,000 guppy fish into the drains in Old Hubli areas, which number around two lakh since January.
Guppy fish eat the mosquito larvae which thrive in stagnant water, to prevent them from developing into adult mosquitoes and transmitting the dengue virus.
Sridhar Dandappannavar, Health Officer, said that the HDMC is putting in all possible efforts to control the breeding of mosquitoes, and to curb the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
We have started releasing guppy fish into drains from Jan itself. The fish multiply in a short time, which also helps to eradicate the breeding of mosquitoes. Considering the advantages of guppy fish, we are using them to destroy mosquito larvae. As of now, there is no shortage of guppy fish, which are available in large quantities, he added.
To combat dengue, the HDMC has directed all Assistant Commissioners of zonal offices to purchase a fogging machine for each ward that falls under their jurisdiction, and conduct fogging and spraying.
For procurement of fogging machines, the HDMC central office has given power to the zonal assistant commissioners. Along with fogging machines, they have to procure the required chemical to carry the drive of fogging inside and outside of the house, said sources in health department of HDMC.
HDMC has intensified the drive of conducting laravel survey, from the past few days. The larval survey is being conducted twice a week, instead of once. Special teams consisting of more than 200 students from nursing colleges are conducting larvae surveys in the twin cities, sources added.
