CCC leaves it up to divine intervention

Unable to bring the mosquito menace under control in the port city through drives, repellents and other action, Chattogram City Corporation seems to have "surrendered" the matter to natural phenomena like rain and storm.

Claiming that they have exhausted all alternatives for curbing the mosquito problem, CCC authorities say they have left the matter in nature's hands. An official said, "We have tried our best. Now we think only rain can improve the situation."

Expressing helplessness, the city corporation official claimed that they have applied its full strength to alleviate the mosquito problem, but to no avail.

The CCC authorities had begun a crash programme on February 20 to destroy mosquito breeding grounds. Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury inaugurated it in Chandgaon.

During the drive, they not only sprayed repellent but also used fogging machine. However, the equipment apparently made little impact. In many areas, the situation has gone from bad to worse instead of seeing any improvement.

Asked, Morshedul Alam Chowdhury, deputy conservancy officer of CCC, said four workers have been spraying repellent in every ward everyday since February 20.

"Our efforts are going on to bring the mosquito menace under control," he said, adding, "As it has not rained in the city since winter, the situation has gotten worse."

Asad Haider, a resident of Bibirhat area of the city, said CCC conservancy workers sprayed in the area, but to no avail. "Mosquitoes continue to bite," he said.

"I think the insecticide or larvicide used by the CCC are not working properly," Asad speculated.

Similar complaints came from the residents of Sholoshahar, DC Road, Kapashgola, Dewanbazar and Jalalabad -- all areas where CCC workers spray repellent in drains and bushes regularly.

Contacted, Kazi Mohammad Mozammel Haque, chief executive officer of CCC, said they contacted the Chittagong University experts to know whether the mosquitoes acquired resistance to the chemicals. "We also sent them the repellent sample to examine its effectiveness," he said.

"We are waiting for their response," said the CCC official.

Prof Dr Manzoorul Kibria of Zoology Department at CU said mosquitoes breed in still water. If it rains, water will flow and mosquitoes will not get a suitable breeding ground. But the CCC will have to ensure free flow of water in drains and canals, he said.

Echoing the comment, the Directorate General of Health Services says if there is no rain, Aedes mosquitoes will continue to breed rapidly. Again, in hot weather, even if the humidity is high, the number of mosquitoes will increase.

Torrential rain can minimise the mosquito menace, says DGHS.

Meanwhile, several city dwellers made alleged negligence of city authorities in conducting anti-mosquito activities.

"I have not seen any CCC conservancy worker in the area for around a year," said Md Azam from Uzir Ali Shah By-lane at Rahattarpool.

"We cannot even stay home after sunset for mosquitoes," he said.

Asked about it, Deputy Conservancy Officer of CCC Morshedul Alam said he will look into the matter.