Mosquito and Malaria have become the buzzwords of North Chennai, as the residents literally wage a war of sorts against the winged insects.

Stagnant sewage caused by overflowing drains and garbage are the major reasons for mosquitoes to breed, said residents, who alleged that the fogging operations were ineffective.

Residents of Nagura Thottam area in New Washermenpet, said that they have been trying hard to seek a solution. Ismail, an auto rickshaw driver said that his two-year-old daughter had developed skin diseases due to the mosquito bites.

“A major reason for her skin-related problems are the mosquitoes. The mosquito bites have left my child with swollen hands and knees,” he said.

Velu, a resident of Kasipuram B Block in Royapuram said, “I spent Rs 10,000 on my wife’s medical treatment for Malaria. There is a rise in the mosquito menace. The mosquitoes seem to have developed immunity to fogging. In fact, mosquitoes resurface after the operations,” he rued.

If Velu was of the view that the insects had developed immunity to fogging, an elderly woman, Pandiammal from Perambur, alleged that fogging operations were not carried out in several streets in her neighbourhood.

Women in the locality said that during the evenings and nights hundreds of mosquitoes swarm them.

Residents in Washermanpet pointed to a playground, which had turned into a dumping yard, of late. This, they said, was another breeding ground for mosquitoes.

R Chithra, a homemaker, said, “The situation turns critical during rainy days. Should residents of tenements developed by the slum clearance board put up with the menace forever?” she wondered.

Residents of Erukancherry, Vyasarpadi and Vivekanandar Nagar too complained about the unrelenting mosquito menace they faced every day. Dr Kalyanasundaram, a scientist at Vector Control Research, suggested a few simple measures to prevent the entry of mosquitoes at homes.

“People should consider mosquito proofing doors and windows in houses. They cost just a few thousands more. The additional door and window would protect houses from mosquitoes. Doors and windows must be shut between 5 pm and 7 pm, as this is the time mosquitoes normally enter houses,” he suggested.