PUDUCHERRY: Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr V Ravichandran said in a press statement on Friday that Puducherry Chief Secretary Dr Sharat Chauhan chaired a special review meeting on Thursday to assess mosquito control measures in the region.
"The meeting followed the Lieutenant Governor's directions and the Chief Minister's guidance. Officials from various departments briefed the Chief Secretary on the ongoing efforts to control mosquito breeding," he said.
Officials in the meeting reported that since 2021, there have been no locally transmitted malaria cases in Puducherry. "Dengue cases have decreased by 20%, and there were no dengue-related deaths in 2024. A research report revealed that the mosquitoes in Puducherry do not carry filariasis or malaria pathogens, but the dengue virus was detected. Based on these findings, the chief secretary directed the local administration and health department to intensify the mosquito control measures," the statement said.
Ravichandran stated that since October 2024, 45,000 houses in Puducherry have been inspected by three-member Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC) teams. "Stagnant water sources such as plastic containers, coconut shells, and waste materials that facilitate mosquito breeding have been removed. Additionally, fumigation and larvicidal treatments have been carried out in drains to eliminate mosquito larvae. Filariasis field workers, under the supervision of filariasis inspectors at primary health centres, have been spraying anti-mosquito chemicals in water bodies," he said.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has continuously conducted fumigation, and municipal and commune commissioners have collaborated with workers in mosquito eradication efforts. Equipment such as fumigation machines and pesticide sprayers have been provided to municipal and commune offices to enhance the control measures.
"In partnership with VCRC Research Institute, dengue prevention activities are being carried out in Lawspet. Under the DREAMS 24 project, teachers and students have been trained in dengue prevention measures and are actively participating in awareness campaigns," the statement said.
Awareness campaigns are being conducted through street plays, loudspeakers on auto-rickshaws, cinema halls, cable television, and ASHA workers to educate the public about dengue prevention. "Health officials have found that in many houses, overhead plastic tanks remain uncovered, underground water storage tanks are not properly sealed, and drainage pipes are left open, contributing to mosquito breeding. Additionally, garbage dumped into drains is causing water stagnation, further facilitating mosquito breeding," said the director.
Ravichandran urged residents to eliminate stagnant water by properly covering water storage tanks and not blocking drains. "The Puducherry government, in coordination with commune panchayats, is implementing stringent measures in areas where dengue cases are high," he said. He asked the public to cooperate with the Puducherry government's health department to curb the mosquito-borne diseases.