Residents find BBMP wanting in tackling rain-related diseases

Residents in various parts of Bengaluru have complained that BBMP has not been taking enough measures to prevent diseases in the wake of showers.

Nikhil Vijapur of Bannerghatta Road said the residents in the area feared an outbreak of dengue.

“We have not seen anyone coming to undertake fogging or to disinfect the area. We have to take measures on our own to protect ourselves from being infected,” he said.

Residents fear that children may get affected by the diseases caused due to rain.

Dr M N Lokesh, chief health officer, BBMP, said it is not possible to undertake fogging now as there is rain and the fog will not be retained in the atmosphere due to the moisture, he said. The only preventive measure that can be taken is source reduction. People should make sure there is no stagnation of water inside houses.

He said the city is experiencing intermittent rains and it requires 15 days for the mosquitoes to lay eggs and for them to hatch. If the rain stops, there is nothing to worry.

But if if it rains intermittently, there are chances of mosquitoes breeding. He said fogging can be done inside the houses, based on the residents’ requirements.“People have to cooperate in cases where water stagnation occurs inside their houses,” said Lokesh.