Hyderabad: Drones seek & destroy mosquitoes over nala

Hyderabad: Drones seek & destroy mosquitoes over nala
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Highlights

Anti-mosquito larval insecticide sprayed over a 4-km stretch of Nallavagu nala in Old City.

Chandrayangutta: After engaging drones for sprinkling anti mosquito larval spray in lakes and Musi river, the GHMC on Monday extended the anti-larval operations over the major nalas. Following complaints in Chandrayagutta circle, the entomology wing of GHMC launched the drone operation covering several kilometres of Nallavagu nala.

According to GHMC entomology wing, the drone covered 4-km-long stretch of the nala in Akbar Nagar and Ahmed Nagar areas following complaints from locals on Monday.

"As part of anti-larval operations under Charminar Zone, though drones were used earlier at Musi river, for the first time we are using it on this major nala. There were complaints from locals of increased mosquito menace, hence we decided to take up the measure," informed N Srinivas, senior entomologist, Charminar zone.

Speaking to The Hans India, the official said that drones were being used at places where humans could not reach easily and spray the insecticide. Each drone has the capacity of carrying 7-litres of mosquito spray and men with technical know-how operate these machines, by ensuring it remains airborne and also sprays at the same time, wherever it passes through. "After receiving complaints about mosquitos, we forward the complaint to the Lakes Wing of the GHMC, which will send the drone, based on the availability and priority of the operation," he informed.

Deputy Commissioner (GHMC), Shirley Pushyaragam, along with corporators Md Ali Sharif (Lalitha Bagh), Mirza Mustafa Baig (Riyasathnagar), Fahad Bin Abdul Samed Bin Abdat (Uppuguda) and Chief Entomologist Ram Babu, oversaw the anti-larval operation on Monday. "We undertook this operation to ensure these localities become mosquito-free. This was first time that entomology officials were conducting this operation with the help of drones in my Circle," said Deputy Commissioner. Earlier in January, GHMC officials along with Charminar MLA Mumtaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated mosquito drone spray for controlling mosquito breeding in Musi waters, which was first time in the Charminar Zone.

It may be mentioned here that the use of drones for controlling mosquito menace began in the beginning of 2019, after GHMC decided to take up anti-larval operations in Musi corridor from Attapur to Nagole to contain breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Those spots where GHMC workers find it difficult to reach out are listed as the prime targets of the drone, mostly middle of the river.

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