Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst the rapid spread of epidemics and the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, the government of Kerala is facing criticism for its ineffective mosquito control measures. Reports from various districts reveal that fogging machines are malfunctioning in multiple wards, leaving communities vulnerable to health risks. The situation has worsened due to the non-allocation of necessary government funds, hampering sanitation and mosquito control operations.
Despite Health Minister Veena George’s announcement of streamlined cleaning operations following the epidemic outbreak, there has been a lack of progress in executing these plans. The proposed cleaning activities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays have not been carried out for months. One major contributing factor is the malfunctioning of fogging machines, which has been attributed to the lack of funds allocated by the government for repairs or replacements.
The deteriorating state of mosquito control efforts is further compounded by a shortage of labor. Local authorities are struggling to find adequate personnel to carry out sanitation operations effectively. A shortage of workers is also creating difficulties for sanitation operations. There is a prevalent grievance that the mosquito control department is not hiring a sufficient number of individuals through proper channels, opting instead for political appointments despite the availability of candidates through the Employment Exchange.
As the government’s attention to the epidemic remains inadequate, the consequences are becoming increasingly dire. The failure of mosquito control measures has left citizens grappling with incessant mosquito bites, and the risk of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever is skyrocketing.
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