Despite Stagnant Water Concerns, BBMP Fails to Tackle Mosquito Breeding Grounds in BengaluruDespite Stagnant Water Concerns, BBMP Fails to Tackle Mosquito Breeding Grounds in Bengaluru Despite claims by the Bengaluru’s municipal body (BBMP) of tackling mosquito breeding grounds, a recent report reveals significant shortcomings. Many urban areas are suffering from stagnant water, providing ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. This poses a serious risk of dengue, but the government has failed to take necessary action. Stagnant Water Remains in Many Areas An open drain at the BTM Layout water tank bus stand has been filled with stagnant water for days, with mosquito larvae visible. A local shop owner expressed frustration, stating that the drain was clogged during monsoon but was never properly opened, leading to a mosquito breeding ground. Similar conditions were observed in Kalena Agrahara along Bannerghatta Road, where incomplete municipal work resulted in stagnant drainage water for over 10 days. Residents reported that several people had fallen ill due to mosquito bites and complained about a lack of action from local authorities. BBMP Defends Its Actions A senior BBMP health official claimed that the health department is working tirelessly to clear stagnant water and has successfully done so in many areas. They encouraged residents to report any specific issues so that teams could be sent to address them. BJP Criticizes State Government However, the response has not been satisfactory to all. BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being more concerned with political matters than public health. He visited slums in Okalipuram and alleged that both the chief minister and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar are failing to address the dengue crisis effectively.
Despite claims by Bengaluru’s local body, the BBMP, that health workers are tackling mosquito breeding grounds, a recent report reveals significant shortcomings. Many urban areas have stagnant water, ideal for mosquitoes. Despite the dengue risk, the government has failed to take action.
BBMP fails to address stagnant water supply amid rising dengue cases in Bengaluru. (Representative | Getty Images)
Bangalore: Despite the tall claims by Bengaluru’s local body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), that health workers are actively tackling mosquito breeding grounds to curb the spread of dengue in India’s tech capital, a recent report has revealed significant gaps in these efforts. According to the reported information, several areas in the city are suffering from stagnant water issues, which provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. What is striking is that despite the fact that there is a serious risk of dengue, the city government has failed to take any corrective measures
Larval breeding ground in BTM layout
From The Hindu report, a prominent example is the open drain at the BTM Layout water tank bus stand. According to the report, the water here has been stagnant for several days, with mosquito larvae clearly visible on the water pipe. Raja Mani, a local shop owner, expressed his frustration saying, “During monsoon, the drain gets clogged, resulting in stagnant water. Though the drain was opened, no steps were taken to close it, making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
He added: “In addition to the mosquito problem, the stench of the sewage is unbearable. This is not an isolated problem; several places in the area have similar problems with water stagnation.”
Similar condition of stagnant water in Bannerghatta Road
In Kalena Agrahara along Bannerghatta Road, incomplete municipal work has led to stagnant water accumulation. Lokesh M., a resident, reported that drainage water has been stagnant for the past 10 days. “Several residents have fallen ill due to mosquito bites. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities, no action has been taken,” he said.
Health department working day and night: Senior official
A senior BBMP health official defended their efforts, saying the health department is working round the clock to clear the stagnant water. “There may be a few patches left, but the department has successfully cleared many. If residents report specific issues, the BBMP will send teams to deal with the breeding grounds,” he assured.
BJP criticises CM Siddaramaiah’s government
However, the response has not been satisfactory to everyone. BJP leader and former deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for inadequate measures to prevent the spread of dengue. On Monday, he accused the chief minister of being “bitten by the ‘MUDA mosquito’”, implying that the crisis was not being addressed. Dr Narayan, who visited slums in Okalipuram, further alleged that both the chief minister and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar are focusing more on political concerns than public health.
