Efforts to control 'mosquito menace' in Manikonda fall short as residents express frustration

HYDERABAD: In an unusual occurrence for this time of year, residents in various parts of Manikonda are reportedly grappling with cases of Dengue fever. The surge in cases is primarily attributed to a significant mosquito infestation plaguing Alkapur Township and its surrounding areas, notably Neknampur.

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Concerned residents have pointed out that the Neknampur Pedda Cheruvu (lake) has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to the proliferation of water hyacinth. They assert that the municipal authorities must take decisive action to eradicate these hyacinths entirely in order to effectively curb the mosquito menace.

Despite numerous complaints lodged with the municipal commissioner of Manikonda and efforts such as fogging, residents lament that relief from the mosquito onslaught remains elusive. They emphasise that merely conducting fogging operations is insufficient and stress the urgent need for addressing the root cause, which they identify as the presence of water hyacinths in Neknampur lake.

Venkat Mamilla, a Manikonda resident, said, "We are enduring relentless mosquito bites round the clock. Despite appeals to the authorities and initiatives like fogging, the situation persists unabated. The unchecked proliferation of water hyacinths in Neknampur Pedda Cheruvu is exacerbating the issue. It is imperative for the municipality to undertake comprehensive measures to eliminate these hyacinths promptly. Coincidentally, the Minister of Environment and Forest of Telangana Konda Surekha visited Neknampur Lake recently and is now reportedly suffering from dengue fever."

Neknampur Lake is completely covered with Water Hyacinth

Arif Sheik, a resident of Manikonda and activist, stated, "Minister Konda Surekha visited Neknampur Lake on February 2, 2024, for World Wetlands Day. Subsequently, she fell ill with Dengue fever, shortly after her visit to the lake in Manikonda. Entering the manmade floating avian island and planting a tree seems to have had an impact on her. Residents of Manikonda experience dengue fever throughout the year, unlike people in other areas who typically suffer from it only during the monsoon season. It seems like no one from the municipal office or other officials is coming to help us in Manikonda. They might be afraid of getting sick with dengue too."

Minister Konda Surekha visited Neknampur Lake on February 2, 2024, for World Wetlands Day

Arun Kumar, another resident of Manikonda, voiced his concerns, saying, "The prevailing situation in Manikonda, Alkapur Township, and Neknampur Village areas is alarming. The rampant mosquito infestation demands immediate attention from the authorities to avert a potential disaster. We urge the municipal authorities to intervene expeditiously."

Sitaram Dhulipala, president of the Residents Welfare Association (RWAs) in Manikonda, said, "It is true that the entire area along Bullapur Nala, Panden Vagu Nala, and Neknampur lake in Manikonda is subjected to mosquito menace. We have received multiple complaints from the nearby residents. Neither fogging nor any other controlling methods are being adopted by Manikonda Municipality."

He added, "Even though the present Municipal Commissioner recently joined, we complained to his predecessor who said that they stopped fogging and some oil balls are being dumped in the Nalas. But no effective measures were taken to control the menace."

Furthermore, residents urged the Manikonda commissioner to invoke relevant sections of the Municipalities Act 2019 and compel the municipality to take decisive action against mosquito breeding. With the greater Manikonda area grappling with mosquitoes, Dengue, and cases of high fever, they stress the urgent need for swift intervention to mitigate the crisis.

Section 157 of the Municipalities Act 2019 outlines the steps for eradicating mosquitoes and preventing their breeding

The Municipality shall take all adequate measures including spray of anti-larva liquids or use of Gambusia fish or take any other measures, for control of mosquito growth, and to formulate and execute schemes to prevent mosquito breeding.

Despite having reached out to Manikonda Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Kumar, he had yet to comment on the mosquito menace in Manikonda.