Ludhiana: Drive targets roadways depots to eliminate mosquito breeding

Intensifying its efforts to prevent and control dengue, the District Health Department conducted a special anti-dengue campaign focusing on Punjab Roadways workshops, PRTC bus depots and adjoining junk yards, which are considered potential breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to the presence of discarded tyres, scrap material and water-holding containers.

Special teams carried out extensive surveillance and preventive activities to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sources in the high-risk locations. Information, education and communication (IEC) activities were also undertaken to create awareness among employees, workers and the public regarding dengue symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of maintaining a clean and dry environment.

During the drive, field teams conducted meticulous inspections of workshops, junk yards and surrounding areas to detect stagnant water accumulation and check for the presence of mosquito larvae.

Wherever larvae were found, it was removed, followed by anti-larval measures and spray activities to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.

The campaign was carried out by MPHWs, swasth sahayaks, and breeding checkers with active support from nursing students.

The activities were supervised by the District Epidemiologist, AMO, and MPHS to ensure effective implementation and close monitoring of all preventive measures.

As part of the day’s intensive campaign, teams visited Punjab Roadways workshops and 177 junk yards, covered 238 areas, inspected 9,422 houses and checked 21,843 containers for mosquito breeding.

Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur said: “Bus depots, workshops, junk yards and discarded tyres can become major breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes if proper precautions are not taken. The fight against dengue cannot be won by the Health Department alone, it requires active participation from every resident and institution.”