With the onset of the monsoon and several construction projects underway across the city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched an extensive preventive campaign against vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Acting on the directions of NMC Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar, the Health Department has stepped up preventive measures ahead of the peak monsoon season. The drive includes the deployment of additional Breed Seekers Teams, spraying of Mosquito Repellent Oil (MRO) in waterlogged areas and the operation of fogging vehicles across all city zones.
Dengue has remained a major public health concern in Nagpur over the years. The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water commonly found in coolers, water containers, construction sites, vacant plots and clogged drains.
Chief Health Officer Dr Dipak Selokar said the civic administration has adopted a proactive strategy this year.
“The Commissioner has instructed us to begin preventive measures before disease cases start increasing. Timely intervention is far more effective than responding after an outbreak occurs,” Dr Selokar said.
Breed Seekers Teams begin door-to-door surveys
To strengthen surveillance, the Health Department has expanded its Breed Seekers Teams, which have started conducting house-to-house inspections to identify mosquito breeding sources.
The teams are checking coolers, water storage containers and other locations where stagnant water may accumulate.
Dr Selokar said many households continue to store water in coolers despite changes in weather conditions, creating favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Special focus on open plots and waterlogged areas
Alongside residential inspections, NMC teams are carrying out intensive checks at vacant plots, construction sites, waterlogged locations, small drains and nullahs.
Mosquito Repellent Oil (MRO) is being sprayed at these sites to prevent the growth of mosquito larvae and reduce breeding activity.
The civic administration has appealed to residents to cooperate with health workers, prevent water stagnation in and around their homes, clean coolers and water containers regularly and immediately report mosquito breeding spots to the authorities.
The initiative aims to significantly reduce the incidence of dengue, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
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