C T Online Desk: Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) has initiated a comprehensive operation employing drones to identify potential mosquito breeding sites in response to the ongoing dengue outbreak.
Following the implementation of a similar initiative in Dhaka, this measure aims to locate mosquito habitats within the city and mitigate the spread of the disease.
CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury launched the survey program on Sunday to identify accumulated water on rooftops.
On the first day of operations, authorities identified seven buildings where roof gardens and swimming pools served as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The owners of these properties were promptly notified of the discovery, accompanied by a warning of a fine amounting to Tk87,000.
During the operation, Mayor Rezaul said, “Today, our aerial survey using drones revealed that water had accumulated on the roofs of nearly all the multi-storied buildings. I am issuing a stern warning to everyone today – if the accumulated water is not removed promptly, I will take strict legal action, including imposing fines.”
Having identified 435 high-risk areas, the CCC commenced spraying various mosquito-control agents, including larvicides. Despite these efforts, the presence of stagnant water on the roofs of certain properties proved to be a significant hindrance.
Meanwhile, the CCC mayor expressed concern, particularly regarding swimming pools and roof gardens, which have become safe havens for mosquitoes. In some cases, homeowners obstructed workers from accessing the roofs, citing safety concerns. Consequently, aerial surveillance using drones has become a necessary measure to monitor the roofs.
Addressing the ongoing campaign, Muhammad Abul Hashem, the mayor’s private secretary and chief cleaning officer (Acting), highlighted the importance of public awareness alongside the “100-day crash program” aimed at reducing mosquito-borne infections. As part of these efforts, eight teams consisting of Urban Volunteers and Red Crescent volunteers were deployed to distribute leaflets and employ public address systems at significant locations across the city. Citizens are being urged to eliminate stagnant water from their homes and have their premises sprayed with mosquito repellents.
CMCH Malaria and Mosquito Control Officer Md Shariful Islam Mahi said that the operation would be conducted gradually in a total of 60 residential areas within the city. Additionally, personnel involved in mosquito control have been augmented to ensure the success of the crash program.
