The Hindu 28.06.2013
40-day drive to prevent malaria
GVMC has taken up a special drive to eradicate larvae of anopheles mosquito that causes malaria. Gambusia fish are let into tanks and wells to eat the larvae.
The fish are bred particularly for the purpose in tanks at Sitammadhara North Extension, NAD Kotta Road, Muralinagar Park, Pendurti black quarries and the one near the Municipal Commissioner’s house.
Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana formally launched the drive at Golla Veedhi at Sitampeta.
He said a total of 7,000 wells were identified for letting off the fish. Over the next 40 days the fish would be released.
Besides tanks and wells, the fish will also be used as predators of the larvae at apartments and other places where water is stocked.
Besides the GVMC Public Health staff would start an awareness campaign in slums. In hostels malathion would be sprayed. Fogging will be taken up.
Chief Medical Officer (Health) P. V. Ramana Murthy said the fish would help prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and fevers. Biologist Y. Mani and other officials participated.
