A corporation worker spreads mosquito-repellant oil on a garbage dump in Cuttack. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, Nov. 29: The municipal corporation is struggling to control mosquito menace in the city.

The mosquito density index, which was around 60 last month, has reached 70 this month leading to widespread resentment among residents. Density of mosquitoes is defined as the average of number of mosquitoes biting 10 persons per hour. A density of eight to 10 mosquitoes is said to be normal entomologically. Usually, if the density is 30, it is said to be normal, 40 is considered moderate and any density level beyond 40 is high.

Though the Cuttack Municipal Corporation claims to have intensified fogging operations, most of the machines are lying defunct raising concerns over the ongoing drive.

“There has been a significant rise in the number of mosquitoes in the past two weeks. We are forced to keep all the doors and windows shut even during the day time,” said Mahatab road resident Amit Sahu.

The spraying of larvicide oil, bush-cutting and other measures to check the breeding of mosquitoes have taken a back seat in the past one month.

“The corporation has failed to address basic problems faced by the people in the city,” said another resident Dharmanand Patra. He further alleged that the oil used by the corporation had failed to yield the desired results.

Shortage of manpower and machines have also attributed to the lacklustre attitude.

Ranjan Biswal, chairman of the municipal corporation’s public health committee, said efforts had been taken to combat the mosquito menace by intensifying spraying of larvicide oil in all the 59 wards under the municipal corporation. “Earlier, 400ml of larvicide oil was provided to each ward. However, it has been increased to 500ml per day. Efforts are also being taken to maintain hygiene and clear the unwanted vegetation in and around the city,” said Biswal.

A fogging operation has been launched, Biswal said.

“We have engaged mechanics to repair the defunct machines. We hope to have things up and running in a couple of days. Once that is done, fogging operations will be intensified in all the wards,” said civic body commissioner Gyana Das.