Boost mosquito control drive in the capital
THE residents of the capital are suffering from the relentless mosquito infestation.
Nothing seems to be getting rid of the mosquito menace. In fact, the situation is becoming more unbearable as the days go by.
Nowhere is safe from mosquitoes, be it houses, shops, or business establishments. It is not possible to be safe without putting up a mosquito net and entering it.
Experts warned a month ago that the situation would be even worse in March.
In reality, that is exactly what happened—a widespread spread of mosquitoes was observed in early March.
Even though pesticides are sprayed to kill mosquitoes, the insecticides are not reaching all areas because the drains and sewers are clogged with garbage. This is not helping the city authorities’ efforts.
Therefore, we do not have enough time to take the necessary steps, which must be done soon.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has laid special emphasis on protecting city dwellers from mosquito infestation.
Under his instructions, activities across the city have been reorganized. According to the instructions, pesticides will be sprayed three times a day.
Meanwhile, a study led by Professor Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Zoology found that the number of mosquitoes in the capital increased by 40 percent in February compared to January. Of these mosquitoes, 40 percent are of the Culex species.
Earlier, he also had warned that the mosquito population would be at its peak in March; this is already being felt in early March.
The monsoon season is also ahead, and dengue will be at its worst.
Research data shows that the issue of abnormal mosquito growth has spread from Uttara to Mirpur, and from Gulshan to Mohammadpur.
The density of mosquitoes is high in areas like Kamrangirchar, Lalbagh, Shanir Akhra, Shyampur or Savar, that is, there is a direct relationship between the spread of mosquitoes and lowlands, polluted water bodies and unplanned urbanization.
It further shows that mosquitoes are no longer a seasonal problem in Dhaka, but a year-round problem.
We hope that the initiatives taken by the authorities of the two city corporations will not be mere formalities but will be implemented on the ground.
The monsoon season is ahead. In view of the fast breeding of mosquitoes, drive against mosquitoes should continue till the advent of the rainy season.
The government must take up this challenge right now so that dengue does not spread.
