Dhaka launches mosquito larvae control campaign ahead of monsoon

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has initiated a pre-monsoon campaign to control mosquito larvae, a move aimed at significantly reducing mosquito populations and mitigating dengue outbreaks. Md Abdus Salam, administrator of DSCC, announced the campaign, highlighting that effective preventive measures could decrease mosquito numbers by as much as 65 percent.

Salam emphasized the critical link between stagnant water and mosquito breeding, noting that nearly 99 percent of mosquitoes originate from such sources. He identified controlling waterlogging as the most crucial factor in curbing dengue outbreaks in the capital. The campaign involves 36 field workers conducting daily door-to-door inspections across all wards, surveying approximately 2,250 houses and collecting larvae samples for laboratory testing to pinpoint high-risk areas.

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nearly 99 percent of mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, making waterlogging control key to curbing dengue outbreaks.

During a city dialogue titled “Why does rain cause suffering in Dhaka?”, organized by the Urban Development Journalists Forum (UDJF), Salam also addressed Dhaka's persistent waterlogging issues. He attributed the problem to unplanned urbanization and the infilling of canals and ponds, leading to an inadequate drainage network. He criticized the conversion of waterways like Dholai Khal into box culverts, contrasting it with the open waterways maintained by major cities for natural drainage.

Experts participating in the dialogue echoed concerns about the limitations of solely relying on insecticides. Professor Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University stressed that mosquitoes will continue to breed if urban environments remain conducive. He called for comprehensive environmental management, including improved waste disposal, diligent drainage maintenance, and the consistent removal of stagnant water sources, to achieve long-term mosquito control and prevent disease transmission.

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insecticides alone cannot provide a permanent solution, warning that mosquitoes will continue to breed if urban environments remain conducive.