PATNA: With a view to controlling dengue cases, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) is carrying out mosquito fogging, sanitization and anti-larva operations in the city.
According to the figures of the health department, lesser number of dengue cases have been reported this year. “Altogether 4,254 dengue cases had been registered till November 29, 2019. However, only 246 cases have been reported in Patna so far. We are taking all steps to control the mosquito menace along with protective measures against coronavirus,” PMC commissioner Himanshu Sharma told this newspaper on Wednesday.
The civic body has hired 75 more portable hand-fogging machines for all the 75 wards in its six circles — Azimabad, Bankipore, Kankerbagh, New Capital, Patliputra and Patna City.
“Apart from fogging, our workers spray bleaching powder and sanitize the infected areas,” Sharma said.
However, panicked over rising dengue cases in some areas, the residents are claiming that they have not come across any fogging drive.
Kankerbagh resident Abhishek Kumar said, “Mosquitoes have been wreaking havoc for the past few weeks. One can see them buzzing around oneself all day long.”
51-year-old Rakesh Kumar Singh, a resident of Bhoothnath Road, echoed similar views. He said mosquitoes were present everywhere. “I saw a fogging machine in my area last week, but it was of no help,” he added.
Bandar Bagicha resident Chandan Kumar rued, “The dumping yard near the Patna Junction is the main breeding ground for mosquitoes. In order to stay safe, I close all the doors and windows in my house.”
On the other hand, the executive officer of Bankipore circle, Devendra Suman, claimed that no complaint had been received about the mosquito menace from any locality.
Kankerbagh circle’s executive officer S K Mishra said, “Our workers cover one locality each week.”