Cuttack, April 25: Residents of Kazi Bazar in Cuttack, who have been having a tough time dealing with caterpillars, can now heave a sigh of relief.

Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has now geared up to tackle the menace. Pesticides were sprayed today to disinfect the pond, which is said to have become the breeding ground for the caterpillars. The CMC swung into action after a report on the caterpillar invasion was published in the April 25 issue of The Telegraph.

“Special units of spraying machines were used to spray pesticides to control the menace that seems to have assumed serious proportions,” said city health officer, N.C. Raj.

Four spraying machines were used for the purpose. Pesticides were also sprayed in all the lanes and drains in the localities affected by the caterpillars. Some of the lanes affected by the caterpillar invasion are Kazi Bazaar Masjid Lane, Sahib Lane, Mohanty Lane and Garage Lane.

“We are happy that the officials have initiated measures to control the caterpillar menace. We have been facing problems for more than 10 to 15 days. We have wasted so much time in trying to deal with the caterpillars,” said Urmila Behera (30), a local resident.

The residents were also facing a lot of health hazards. In the past few days, there have been instances of many children complaining of severe itching after coming in contact with the caterpillars.

The Badi Pokhari (pond), which is now the epicentre of the caterpillar menace, has not been cleaned for the past many years. Moreover, as the waste water from the nearby localities is being released into it, it has now become the perfect breeding ground for the caterpillars.

“Though the pond is the private property of Wakf Board, no step was taken for cleaning it up despite several complaints. We want a permanent solution to the problem as the residents also face problems due to leeches during monsoon,” said S.M. Zeeshan (55), another local resident.

Meanwhile, local councillor Abdul Malik has assured that concrete steps would be taken to solve the grievances of the residents. “We have discussed the issue with the concerned officials of the CMC and appropriate steps will be taken in this regard soon,” said Malik.

CMC officials have informed that the special drive against caterpillars would continue till the entire area is sanitised. “The spraying of pesticides in and around the pond and nearby localities would continue for another four to five days. Steps would then be initiated towards de-weeding of the pond,” the city health officer added.