Nagpur: Even as mosquito menace and vector-borne diseases loom large, the city’s frontline defence appears crippled — with more than half of its hand fogging machines either lying defunct or awaiting repairs. A consolidated report of Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s malaria and filaria dept reveals that 28 out of 51 hand fogging machines are currently inoperative, exposing glaring gaps in preparedness and raising serious concerns over public health.Of the total machines, 19 are under repairs and 9 have been condemned, leaving several zones struggling to maintain even basic fogging operations. The situation is particularly alarming in areas under Mangalwari zone, where just one machine is operational out of seven, and Hanuman Nagar and Lakadganj zones, where barely half the available machines are working.The shortfall is further compounded by an unmet demand for 17 additional machines, indicating that even full restoration of existing units may not be enough to tackle the growing mosquito menace. Despite repeated outbreak of vector-borne diseases in recent years, the dept’s machinery crisis points to long-standing neglect.While spraying units appear relatively better in numbers — with 126 units across zones — official data revealed that fogging remains a critical intervention in high-risk and densely populated areas. However, the lack of functional equipment has severely limited the frequency and reach of anti-larval and anti-adult mosquito drives.All 11 vehicle-mounted fogging machines are reported to be in working condition, but their utility remains restricted to broader roads and select routes, leaving interior localities and congested neighbourhoods vulnerable.The impact on the ground is already visible. Several localities have reported a spike in mosquito density, with residents complaining of inadequate fogging and delayed response from the civic body. Health experts warn that inconsistent fogging cycles can lead to a rapid increase in mosquito breeding, especially ahead of the monsoon.One of the residents of Canal road in Ramdaspeth claimed of twice or thrice a week fogging is carried out at a top civic official’s bungalow. If it is a privilege then the why is it limited to the influential lot only and not common people, the resident asked.Taking note of the situation, health committee chairperson Manisha Atkare has directed the malaria and filaria department to ensure at least one round of fogging every week in each prabhag. She has also instructed officials to coordinate with local corporators to identify and prioritise mosquito-prone pockets. However, with over half the fogging machinery non-functional, implementing these directives may prove to be a challenge. The data lays bare a system struggling to keep pace with a predictable seasonal threat — raising questions over maintenance, planning and accountability within the dept.Unless urgent steps are taken to repair or replace the defunct machines, the city may find itself increasingly exposed to the risks of malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases — with residents left to bear the brunt of an ailing public health response.MOSQUITO CONTROL IN CRISISFogging machinery breakdown cripples civic responseHAND FOGGING MACHINESTotal: 51Working: 27Out of action: 28Shortfall: 17 machinesZONE ALERTMangalwari: 1 of 7 workingHanuman Nagar: 2 of 5 workingLakadganj: 2 of 4 workingSPRAYING UNITSTotal units: 126Demand gap: 45VEHICLE-MOUNTED MACHINESTotal: 11 (including HQ)Working: 10Limited to main roadsGROUND REALITYOver 50% fogging machines defunctInterior areas worst hitWeekly fogging target under strainCIVIC RESPONSEHealth panel chief Manisha Atkare orders: Weekly fogging in every prabhag & coordination with corporators
