The need for additional mosquito bats in homes has surged due to a rise in dengue cases affecting children and elderly individuals. Bengaluru alone has reported over 2,000 cases, contributing to a statewide tally exceeding 7,000 cases.
Nikhil Arjun, a businessman from Wilson Garden, shared his experience, stating he purchased two mosquito bats to combat the increasing mosquito menace at home. According to sources, Nikhil and his wife now patrol their house wielding these bats, likening themselves to tennis stars battling mosquitoes.
Another resident, Parineeta Behra from Jigani Road, highlighted the effectiveness of mosquito bats over liquid repellents, especially in areas surrounded by vegetation where demand has notably spiked. The surge in demand was observed following heavy rainfall in June, which provided ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
In response to the escalating dengue threat, the health department has proposed a fine of Rs 500 for property owners failing to maintain cleanliness, as discussed during a meeting chaired by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Municipal bodies, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), are instructed to enforce fines up to Rs 50 on negligent property owners.
To intensify preventive measures, BBMP has initiated a door-to-door survey across all zones of Bengaluru, targeting approximately 25 lakh urban poor residing in densely populated and low-lying areas. Health inspectors, ASHA workers, ANMs, nursing college students, and NSS volunteers are mobilized to conduct larval testing and raise awareness, aiming to cover 12-14 lakh households every 15 days, as outlined by BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath.
