Malkajgiri residents complain of mosquito menace, seek urgent civic action

Hyderabad: Residents of ICRISAT Enclave in East Anandbagh, Malkajgiri, have been spending sleepless nights over the past few months due to a mosquito menace.

Residents complained that despite repeated representations to Malkajgiri civic body authorities, who were alerted to the risk of vector-borne diseases caused by the mosquito menace, no efforts had been made to address their grievances.

“Thick swarms of mosquitoes invade homes every evening, forcing residents to lock windows and doors before sunset,” said Satish Kumar, a resident of ICRISAT Enclave. Uncleared stormwater drains and surrounding water bodies were contributing to the mosquito menace, turning the enclave into a massive breeding ground, he said.

More than 50 families in ICRISAT Enclave fear outbreaks of dengue, malaria and chikungunya, with children and senior citizens being particularly vulnerable. Residents said the problem had persisted for more than a decade despite the area’s rapid development.

In a representation submitted on Friday, residents urged Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC) authorities to direct the assistant medical officer of health and the entomology wing to inspect the locality, identify stagnant water bodies and blocked drains, and undertake intensive anti-larval treatment, chemical spraying and weekly evening fogging to control mosquitoes and prevent a potential disease outbreak.