Mosquito outbreak disrupts residents’ lives
Pabna Correspondent :
Residents of Ishwardi have become distressed due to relentless mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are rampant everywhere indoors and outdoors, day and night. Even before evening sets in, mosquito attacks inside homes reach an unbearable level. The problem is not limited to residential areas; offices, markets, and various business establishments are also heavily affected.
Victims allege that the accumulation of garbage in drains, sewers, and water bodies has led to an alarming increase in mosquito breeding. Although the municipal authorities publicly announced mosquito larva control activities on social media with much publicity, locals claim that the initiative has stalled in reality.
Inquiries reveal that mosquito breeding has increased with the rise in temperature at the end of winter. As evening falls, swarms of mosquitoes enter homes. Residents are finding no relief despite using coils, sprays, and even electric mosquito bats. Bus terminals, railway junctions, hospitals, clinics, and shops all present the same scenario. The lack of effective measures by the municipal authorities has intensified public frustration.
Selim Ahmed, a resident of the Ambagan area, said, “The municipality’s one-day drain spraying campaign remained limited to Facebook posts. In the evening, my son cannot sit at his desk to study. Even burning coils does not provide relief from mosquito bites.”
Ornet Pradhan, a student from Aminpara, said, “There are mosquitoes everywhere. After evening, it’s impossible to sit still. I have to hang a mosquito net just to study.”
Saiful Islam, a resident of Nurmohalla, said that the situation has taken a serious turn due to the lack of regular cleaning of drains and accumulated waste. “The municipal authorities are active in collecting holding taxes but have failed to provide basic civic services,” he alleged.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Ali Ahsan said that mosquito egg-laying increases as temperatures rise after winter. During this time, mosquitoes breed in drains, ditches, sewers, and stagnant polluted water. These areas need regular cleaning.
He emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of Aedes mosquitoes, as their bites can spread deadly diseases such as dengue. He added that applying larvicide in drains and stagnant water can significantly reduce mosquito breeding. If coordinated eradication efforts are not initiated immediately, the situation may worsen.
Arifur Rahman, Administrator of Ishwardi Municipality and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), stated that regular spraying of mosquito control chemicals is ongoing in drains, ditches, and bushes across the municipality. He added that special fogging operations will begin soon to prevent further breeding.
