CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation may soon upgrade its mosquito-control measures with corporation officials testing a noise-free fogger on Tuesday, that is said to be capable of spraying in specific areas with controlled smoke emission.
“This device has a knob that can be turned on and off and so it can be used for targeted spraying. The portable device in use now has to be held by an individual in a specific direction depending on wind velocity and direction for the fog to travel where it needs to,” said a senior corporation official. Since the fogging is targeted, the fuel consumption is also considerably reduced, he said.
According to corporation authorities, while the portable fogger that is presently in use runs on petrol for starting while using diesel for fogging, the new device substitutes petrol with much cheaper LPG, that runs for 15 usages on an average once filled.
“It is especially useful in manoeuvring through small narrow streets and congested settlements,” said a senior corporation official, adding that they were also looking to upgrade its compression sprays.
“It is better not to wait until an outbreak and wish we had the suitable equipment which is why the corporation is constantly exploring new avenues,” he added.
However, according to officials, the corporation is also looking at options to do away with fogging altogether. “Fogging leads to atmospheric pollution. So we’re looking to eliminate mosquitoes in its larval stage and use fogging only when absolutely necessary,” said another senior official.