The Times of India         20.11.2013

VMC begins cleaning storm water drains

VADODARA: In the wake of mosquito menace and vector-borne diseases raising their head in the city, Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has begun conducting extensive cleaning of storm water drains. It is widely believed that these drains are the breeding place for mosquitoes.

The storm water drains are usually cleaned before the monsoon as a part of the pre-monsoon works by the civic body.

The idea is to ensure that rain water is drained smoothly and does not cause waterlogging.

But keeping in mind the health scenario in the city, the VMC has decided to clean the storm water drains again to ensure that no water remains in them. "Any accumulation of water can lead to mosquito breeding. Some drainage water may also be making its way into storm water drains and we want to ensure that this does not stay there," said VMC commissioner Manish Bhardwaj.

The VMC has deployed additional workforce to ensure that the storm water channels are cleaned at the earliest.

In the past, the councillors had also raised the issue of these drains being the main source of mosquitoes and even demanded that fogging be conducted inside them.