As summer approaches, Chennai is witnessing a resurgence of mosquito-borne illnesses, with residents reporting a steep increase in mosquito breeding across residential areas, open drains, and waterlogged streets. The spike in mosquito activity has raised concerns about diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, especially in low-lying localities of the city.Residents in T. Nagar, Adyar, and Velachery say stagnant water in construction sites, overflowing drains, and unattended public spaces have become prime breeding grounds. Ramesh Kumar, a local resident from Adyar, said, “We are seeing more mosquitoes than usual this year. Children and the elderly are getting bitten constantly, and the fear of dengue is real.” Another resident, Meena Iyer from Velachery, added, “Despite government awareness campaigns, many areas remain untreated, and fogging is irregular. We have to take extra precautions at home.”
Health officials from the Chennai Corporation acknowledge the problem but say efforts are ongoing. A Chennai Corporation Health Officer, stated, “Our teams are conducting regular fogging, larvicide spraying, and awareness drives. Residents also play a critical role by ensuring there is no stagnant water around homes.” Authorities have urged citizens to cover water tanks, clean open containers, and use mosquito repellents to reduce breeding and bites.
With the monsoon season approaching, experts warn that the mosquito menace could worsen if preventive measures are not strictly followed. The situation calls for collaboration between civic authorities and residents to effectively tackle the growing public health threat in Chennai.