TIRUPATI: Residents of Tirupati, mainly on the outskirts, continue to face the problem of mosquitoes while the heat of summer starts to show its affect. Unhygienic conditions that result mainly from the improper garbage disposal are being seen as the prime reason for the propagation and growth of mosquitoes.
Generally the mosquitoes are believed to seize being a nuisance with the onset of summer season. People in Tirupati, however, continue to face the trouble from these mosquitoes even while they face threats of heatwave in the worsening weather. Being a hilly area the heat feels high than the actual temperature.
The municipal corporation of Tirupati has been taking proper care and immediately clearing garbage dumps within the city limits. On the outskirts, however, panchayat areas like Padmavati Puram, Tiruchanuru, Karakambadi etc. are facing the trouble as the panchayats are not caring about any dumps on road.
The medical and health department takes up spraying operations to control the mosquito problem during rainy and winter seasons. With almost all water pits in the city and outskirts having dried up due to the heat, the spraying operations were also decreased.
Usually the mosquitoes die when the temperature crosses 30 degree Celsius. Tirupati has been experiencing about 35 degree Celsius, but the mosquitoes problem is still continuing for the citizens. K. Ramachandra Satri, a resident of Padmavatipuram said, "I rarely find mosquitoes in summer. By mid-March there will be no mosquito problem usually. But, I'm not even able to sleep during the night times with the problem of mosquitoes. I had several times complained to panchayat office about the garbage dumps on roads. No action has been initiated till now".
S. Prasad, a retired lecturer said, "The Municipal Corporation of Tirupati is keeping the roads clean by clearing the garbage on time. But in some streets, residents throw garbage on the roads. Until our minds get clean, the city will not get cleaned. The Municipal Corporation is already collecting spot fines from commercial units, for illegal garbage dump. This should be implemented for residential areas too".
