Residents lament rise in mosquito breeding in various parts of city

Following a rise in complaints about the increase in mosquito breeding in storm-waterdrains across the city, councillors have requested the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to clear the drains.

Residents have complained about a rise in mosquitoes owing to stagnant water in drains on stretches such as Anna Nagar 16th Main Road, 17th Main Road, and Kadhiravan Colony.

Similar complaints have been raised about the storm-water drain built on Chetty Street in Ayanavaram six months ago.

Residents alleged that a few newly constructed drains were poorly designed and prevented the smooth flow of water, leading to stagnation.

Pointing out that the mosquito density in Ward 91 of Mogappair West had also increased because of water stagnation in drains, former councillor P.V. Tamil Selvan said: “A huge open drain, stretching for 1.5 kilometres from Ambattur Industrial Estate to Golden George Nagar, is one of the breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” he said.

Nammazhwar of the Federation of North Chennai Residents’ Welfare Associations said residents in Ward 29 had demanded better drains instead of old open ones to prevent mosquito breeding.

Ward 104 councillor T.V. Shemmozhi said GCC officials had assured them that machines would be sent to clear stagnant water in storm-waterdrains this week.

GCC officials said mosquito control measures, with special focus on engineering solutions, had been strengthened in the city. Starting Tuesday, the GCC will clear stagnant water from storm-water drains in areas with a large number of complaints about mosquito breeding sources.