Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched an extensive fogging and anti-larvae spraying drive across all wards of the city. The drive, being carried out twice daily under a fixed micro-plan and roster, aims to curb the spread of dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other seasonal illnesses, said PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena on Wednesday.He said special focus is being given to mosquito breeding hotspots, including malls, markets, office complexes, apartments, construction sites, vacant plots, drains and waterlogged areas. Both vehicle-mounted and hand-held fogging machines are being deployed at these locations on a priority basis.The civic body has also intensified sanitation measures at garbage vulnerable points (GVPs). After such sites are cleared, teams are spraying lime, bleaching powder and other disinfectants to prevent infections and maintain hygiene.To ensure citywide coverage, PMC has deployed 58 vehicle-mounted fogging machines across its six circles. Of these, eight have been assigned to Azimabad, nine to Bankipur, 10 to Kankarbagh, 12 to Nutan Rajdhani, 13 to Patliputra and six to Patna City.In addition, every ward has been provided with a hand-held fogging machine to cover narrow lanes, housing colonies and areas inaccessible to larger vehicles. For anti-larvae treatment, one kit has been allotted to each sector, taking the total number of operational kits in the city to 375.Officials said the larvicide temephos is being used to destroy mosquito larvae and prevent breeding. Each circle has prepared a detailed action plan, under which fogging and anti-larvae spraying are being undertaken in two shifts every day.PMC teams are also responding to public complaints by conducting fogging and anti-larvae spraying in specific localities and households on request.Appealing for public cooperation, the civic body urged residents not to allow water accumulation around their homes, maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and take preventive measures to check mosquito breeding during the monsoon season.
