MARGAO
People inhabiting the banks of River Sal from Assolna to Ambelim have complained of a mosquito menace over the last several days.
The cause of the menace remains unknown, leaving locals to wonder whether it has anything to do with the overgrown mangroves, which have become a habitat for bats.
To tide over the situation, Velim MLA Cruz Silva has roped in a pest control agency to conduct an intensive drive at Colleamwaddo-Assolna, which has been the berthing area for country-made fishing canoes.
The MLA told the media that he had roped in the private agency to conduct spraying and fogging operations at Colleamwaddo as a precautionary measure after locals complained of the mosquito menace. “The locals have claimed that the fishing jetty point is hit by mosquitoes in the evening between 6 pm and 9 pm. They suspect whether mosquitoes breeding in the marshy areas invade the locality when bats start flying in the evening. We have roped in the agency, wherein intensive spraying and fogging have been conducted in and around Colleamwaddo,” he said.
He added: “The mosquito menace has been felt right from Colleamwaddo in Assolna to Pedder in neighbouring Ambelim. We are monitoring the situation. If the spraying and fogging operation at Colleamwaddo proves successful, the operation will be extended right up to Ambelim.”
Cruz said he would also draw the attention of the Health Services to depute a team of health workers to find out the cause behind the mosquito menace along the riverbanks.
