In a concerning revelation, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials have identified an alarming number of over 71,000 mosquito breeding spots within the city’s limits. This unsettling discovery underscores the inadequacy of the measures currently in place to combat the increasing cases of vector-borne diseases, posing a significant health challenge for Pune residents.
Identifying the Breeding Spots
According to PMC authorities, the city is grappling with a staggering 33,514 permanent and 37,874 temporary mosquito breeding spots. Permanent breeding spots are those locations where mosquitoes have continued to breed for two to three consecutive years. Examples of such permanent breeding spots include a swimming tank near Laigude Hospital, basements at Ganesh Peth and Nana Peth, craters near Abhiruchi Farm, and a closed construction site at Manik Baug.
These breeding spots are conducive to the reproduction of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika; Anopheles mosquitoes, known for transmitting malaria; and Culex mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting Japanese Encephalitis.
Health Implications
The gravity of the situation becomes evident when considering the health implications. Pune has reported 71 dengue cases and 5 chikungunya cases up to August 31 this year, with many cases going unreported from private healthcare facilities. Given the significant number of breeding spots, PMC’s efforts to curb the spread of these vector-borne diseases appear insufficient.
Currently, PMC’s actions are primarily limited to issuing notices to individuals, societies, and commercial establishments responsible for these breeding spots. Fines are imposed on those found negligent in preventing mosquito breeding on their premises. Since January to August this year, PMC has collected fines amounting to nearly ₹2.05 lakh from 1,633 such cases.
PMC’s Approach
Dr. Sanjeev Wavare, assistant health officer at PMC, explained the municipality’s approach, saying, “The health department issues notices and levies administrative charges ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 for eliminating mosquito breeding spots. In cases of repeat offenses, the administrative charges can escalate to ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. While notices are issued, and sometimes cases are filed, PMC has not taken legal action since 2019 against those facilitating mosquito breeding.”
The Way Forward
To effectively tackle this growing health concern, a multifaceted approach is essential. This includes not only issuing notices and imposing fines but also raising awareness among residents about the importance of maintaining a mosquito-free environment.
PMC should also consider enforcing stricter penalties and legal action against repeat offenders, as provided for under the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act of 1949, Scheduled Chapter 17, Rule number 15, and Scheduled Chapter 19.
Moreover, community participation and proactive measures, such as regular checks and cleaning of potential breeding spots, can significantly contribute to reducing the prevalence of mosquito breeding and the associated vector-borne diseases in Pune.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of mosquito breeding spots is crucial for safeguarding public health, and it requires a collaborative effort involving both the authorities and the community to effectively combat the menace of vector-borne diseases in Pune city.
