Vasco: The public health department has directed civic bodies, municipalities and panchayats to curb illegal mosquito fogging and warned that FIRs will be filed for violations.Under secretary (health-II) Pooja Madkaikar has instructed health officers to ensure fumigation is carried out only with permission and to register an FIR against any individual or agency conducting unauthorised fogging. After filing an FIR, officers must inform the head office, the director (administration) and the director of health services.The department said unauthorised fogging is a serious public safety concern, as indiscriminate use of insecticide can harm children, elderly persons, pregnant women and people with respiratory illnesses. The circular also flags environmental contamination, harm to insects and animals, and threats to biodiversity. It adds that improper fogging can increase insecticide resistance in mosquitoes due to unapproved chemicals, incorrect dosages and unsafe application methods, undermining vector-control programmes.Citing the circular, deputy director (urban development) Nadia Shekoli has directed municipalities to comply. She said fogging must be done only by authorised personnel, using govt-approved insecticides and following the health department’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The department said unauthorised fogging is a serious public safety as well as environment concern
