CHENNAI: The corporation's latest solution to fight mosquitoes is the nochi plant, which is said to have medicinal properties and repel mosquitoes.

The civic body plans to distribute saplings of the shrub, which sometimes grows into a three-metre-tall tree. "Through the parks department, we will distribute it to households along canals and plant it along the banks of waterways," said mayor Saidai Duraisamy. The nochi plant (Vitex nigundo) is found in most village homes, says siddha expert Dr Veerababu.

The plant reportedly contains vitnocide alkaloids, a chemical substance that keeps away mosquitoes and flies. "The plant has certain essential oils that have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties," said Dr Veerababu.

The plant's oils exude a certain smell that prevents larvicidal activities of mosquitoes and house flies," he said.

Experts say a household with 10 nochi shrubs can successfully remain mosquito-free. "We visited many houses in Alapakkam, Nerkundram and Tambaram that have the plants along their compound walls. Despite heavy water stagnation during the monsoon, families said they did not have many mosquitoes," he said.

The plant is reportedly easy to grow because it has nitrogenous roots. "It is good for the soil. It does not require much water or manure, just sunlight is enough," said Veerababu.

The corporation has placed an order with the agriculture department for seeds and saplings. The nochi plant, according to siddha and ayurveda books, has medicinal properties that prevent stomach infections and is an effective cure for throat infections.

However, residents say the new plan merely exposes how desperate the corporation is to find a solution to the mosquito problem.

"They have to clean the canals and water bodies completely to prevent mosquito breeding. Instead of doing that, they are giving us plants," said Vishnu C, a resident of Kotturpuram.