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.