Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has woken up to the city's vector menace following an observation of Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice (acting) P. K. Mohanty who rued the fact that citizens had to approach the judiciary to save themselves from mosquitoes.

Health officer Kiran Kumar said that RMC would be using a more effective larvicide soon. "We are currently using B-Larv to kill mosquito larva. But in the coming days, we will use an advance chemical called, Vectobac, which is more effective," he said, adding that tenders had been floated for its purchase.

On Friday, RMC workers carried out anti-mosquito drives in Naya Toli, Tetar Toli and Karma Toli areas of ward 4; Mahua Toli, Madhulam Basti, Khadgarha and Murga Maidan of ward 31; besides Mohahid Nagar, Nizam Nagar, Firdaus Colony, Chota Talab Road and Third Street of ward 25.

They sprayed larvicide in open drains and other areas that see water accumulation to prevent breeding. They also pruned bushes on the roadside.

"The drive was launched immediately after Holi. So far, we have covered ward 32. RMC conservancy workers were pressed into service on Friday in the three wards where the drive is likely to continue for another three days," Kumar said, adding that eventually they would cover all 55 wards.

On Thursday, RMC workers were focussed on Ashoknagar locality.

On March 9, while hearing a PIL filed by one Diwan Indranil Sinha, the Chief Justice observed that it was shocking as well as painful to see that common people were being forced to approach the high court to save themselves from mosquitoes which exposed the poor functioning of the civic body.

"Jharkhand High Court has made a strong observation. So, RMC has decided to continue the drive all year round. RMC has sufficient funds and necessary equipment is being arranged," said an RMC official.

RMC has 13 fogging machines for 55 wards, but these are used primarily in VIP and VVIP areas.