Tiruchi Corporation strengthens dengue prevention measures ahead of monsoon

Tiruchi Corporation has intensified dengue prevention measures across the city ahead of the northeast monsoon to curb the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

With stagnant water during the rainy season creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, the civic body has strengthened surveillance and intensified mosquito eradication activities across its zones.

Around 60 Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs) have been deployed in each zone to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sources. An additional 20 DBCs have been deployed in each zone with the onset of the monsoon to reinforce the prevention drive. Each worker has been assigned to cover around 300 houses, according to official sources.

As part of the intensified drive, a training session was organised for field workers involved in mosquito eradication. The participants were briefed on preventive measures, with particular emphasis on identifying stagnant water in public spaces, locked houses, construction sites and other potential breeding hotspots.

Workers were instructed to inspect residential buildings, commercial establishments, and construction sites, and eliminate mosquito breeding sources. They were also directed to remove or ensure the proper disposal of discarded tyres, coconut husks, vessels and other objects that could collect stagnant water and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Densely populated residential neighbourhoods and congested commercial areas have been identified as potential hotspots for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, an official said.

Meanwhile, regular fogging operations are being carried out across all wards using portable fogging machines and high-power fogging vehicles. Insecticides are also being sprayed in open stormwater drains and drainage channels as part of the preventive measures.

Sanitary inspectors have been instructed to inspect construction sites and households for mosquito breeding and take action against owners who violate the prescribed guidelines including imposing fines where applicable.

Public awareness campaigns on the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases are also under way.