Mosquito Infestation Alarms Chennai's Tambaram Residents as Dengue Cases Spike
Residents across multiple neighborhoods within the Tambaram Corporation limits in Chennai have reported a significant and worrying increase in mosquito populations over the past week. This sudden surge has sparked serious concerns among the local community about a potential rise in vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue and malaria, with children and the elderly being at the highest risk.
Stagnant Water and Irregular Fogging Fuel the Crisis
According to local residents, the primary cause of this mosquito explosion is the accumulation of stagnant rainwater in numerous vacant plots and poorly maintained areas. The situation has been severely exacerbated by intermittent and unexpected rainfall during the last week, which created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Compounding the problem is the reported lack of regular and effective fogging operations by the municipal authorities, allowing the mosquito population to multiply unchecked.
Worst-Affected Areas and Rising Health Concerns
The mosquito menace is particularly severe in areas such as East Tambaram, Chitlapakkam, Selaiyur, and Sembakkam. Locals have observed a noticeable increase in fever cases within their communities, directly linking them to the mosquito infestation. Medical officials at the Chromepet Government Hospital have confirmed treating at least 50 cases of dengue and malaria in the past week alone, highlighting the immediate public health threat.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Civic Management
V Saritha, the secretary of the Ganesh Nagar Residents Welfare Association, pointed to poor monsoon preparedness and irregular garbage collection as key factors. "In areas like Selaiyur and Camp Road, there are several vacant plots. The corporation should either maintain them properly or issue strict notices to the landowners. If these mosquito breeding spots are not cleared urgently, the health situation will deteriorate rapidly," she warned.
Echoing similar concerns, Sunil Jayaram from Chitlapakkam Rising highlighted the inadequacy of current fogging efforts. "Fogging is currently done only once every two months, which is completely insufficient. Even basic maintenance like clearing fallen tree branches is delayed. During such critical periods, fogging should be intensified to at least once or twice a week to effectively control the mosquito population," he stated.
Municipal Authority's Response and Action Plan
In response to the growing crisis, Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S Balachander has assured residents that immediate measures are being taken. "Mosquito fogging operations will be carried out comprehensively across all corporation limits. Our officials have been instructed to identify and eliminate all sources of stagnant water on a priority basis to curb mosquito breeding and mitigate the associated health risks," he announced.
The commissioner's statement aims to address the community's urgent calls for action, though residents remain vigilant, stressing the need for consistent and sustained efforts to prevent a full-blown public health emergency in the region.
