Mosquito control operations hit owing to inadequate manpower

Mosquito control in city hindered by lack of manpower, prompting residents to demand more workers for effective vector control.

Mosquito control measures in the city have been disrupted owing to inadequate manpower and a delay in filling vacancies in posts for vector control.

Residents have demanded posting of additional manpower for mosquito control, particularly to check mosquito breeding in the manholes of storm-water drains, and entomologists, assistants, and labourers who assist in the collection of adult mosquitoes and larvae for monitoring vector-borne diseases. Many of the councillors are not aware of the significant role that entomologists play in mosquito control, resulting in lack of supervision at the ward level, they say.

S. Kumararaja of Velachery said: “The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) should monitor the mosquito density in areas where people gather in large numbers. More workers should be deployed to reduce mosquito density in public spaces. This will ensure better public health,” he said.

Ambattur ward 84 councillor J. John said the number of workers for mosquito control in areas, such as Korattur, was inadequate.  “We have only nine permanent workers for mosquito control. Many lack motivation as they are about to retire. The temporary workers under the National Urban Livelihood Mission are also inadequate. Out of the nine permanent workers, just 50% are active. The number of workers for visiting homes is inadequate. We need at least seven more workers,” he said.

The entomologists in GCC has decreased. However, the civic body has not filled vacancies in several posts. While the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, funding agencies, have stipulated a reduction in the vacancies of Group A and B officers to enhance professional capability, the number of skilled workers who are motivated to work in mosquito control operations has reduced over the years.