Chennai: Residents across several parts of Tambaram Corporation reported a surge in mosquitoes over the past week. This has triggered concern over the possible rise in dengue and malaria cases, especially among children and the elderly.According to residents, mosquito breeding has increased due to stagnant rainwater in vacant plots and the lack of regular fogging operations. Intermittent and unexpected rainfall over the last week worsened the situation, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes in several neighbourhoods.
Areas such as East Tambaram, Chitlapakkam, Selaiyur and Sembakkam are among the worst affected. Locals claimed that cases of fever began to rise in their localities. Officials at Chromepet govt hospital said that at least 50 dengue and malaria cases were treated at the hospital in the past week.V Saritha, secretary of Ganesh Nagar RWA, said the problem was due to poor monsoon management and irregular garbage collection. “In areas like Selaiyur and Camp Road, there are several vacant plots. The corporation should either maintain them or issue notices to landowners. If these spots aren’t cleared soon, the problem will worsen,” she said.Sunil Jayaram of Chitlapakkam Rising said, “Fogging is done only once in two months. In Chitlapakkam, even fallen tree branches are not cleared on time. During such situations, fogging should be carried out at least once or twice a week to control mosquitoes.” Tambaram Corporation commissioner S Balachander said, “Mosquito fogging operations will be carried out across the corporation limits. Officials are instructed to identify and remove stagnant water at the earliest to control mosquito breeding and reduce health risks.”
