Andhra Pradesh: Citizens Urged To Join Dry Day Drive Against Mosquito Menace
The drive saw participation from malaria inspectors, sanitary inspectors, ASHA workers, sanitation staff, and other personnel, reflecting a coordinated effort to safeguard public health.
Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has called upon residents to actively participate in the weekly ‘Dry Day’ campaign to curb mosquito breeding in the city. Biologist Surya Kumar Naik, speaking under the directions of commissioner and chief medical health officer (incharge) Gopala Naik, stressed that public cooperation is vital to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.
On Friday, the VMC team conducted a drive in Shantinagar, inspecting households and surroundings for stagnant water. Wherever mosquito larvae were detected, immediate anti-larval measures were taken. Officials educated residents on ensuring no water remains stored inside or outside homes, thereby eliminating breeding grounds.
Staff advised citizens to pay special attention to small items around their homes—flower pots, coconut shells, old buckets, coolers, bottles, and discarded tyres—that often collect water. They urged households to empty such containers every Friday as part of the Dry Day initiative.
The corporation continues to carry out fogging, anti-larval operations, and desilting of drains throughout the city. However, officials emphasised that these measures alone are not sufficient without community involvement. “Only when every household removes stagnant water weekly can mosquito breeding be effectively controlled, reducing the risk of diseases,” they explained.
The drive saw participation from malaria inspectors, sanitary inspectors, ASHA workers, sanitation staff, and other personnel, reflecting a coordinated effort to safeguard public health.