CHENNAI: Corporation of Chennai's expenditure on mosquito eradication was 5.09 crore in 2013-14. This is more than double the amount spent the previous year (3.56 crore), but public complaints about the winged menace also doubled in the period, from 2,457 in 2012-13 to 4,664 in 2013-14.

In response to an RTI application filed by Pradeep Bhatt, coordinator of Bangalore-based Onlinerti.com, the civic body said it spent 3.56 crore in 2012-13 and 5.09 crore in 2013-14 for mosquito fogging in the city. The quantity of diesel used for fogging in the city has also increased over the past few years - from 5.8 lakh litres in 2009 to 16.41 lakh litres in 2012. The number of fogging machines also went up from 236 in 2011 to 347 in 2014.

Though measures like distribution of gambusia fish, mosquito nets and nochi plants to residents continue, the civic body has failed to check breeding of mosquitoes . Residents say there is little to show for the money that the corporation spends annually to fight the vector. "There has been a significant rise in the number of mosquitoes. We are forced to keep all the doors and windows shut all the time," said K Ramadoss of Ayanavaram.

Residents say fogging should be intensified along storm water drains and temple tanks, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. "The fun of sitting out in the evening is gone," said P Dharshan, a resident of Teynampet. "I have not seen any fogging my area recently."

Across 200 wards there are more than 12 lakh residential and commercial properties. Water tanks at construction sites, uncovered septic tanks, unused wells and swamps are the main breeding areas of mosquitoes. A sanitary inspector said the corporation sometimes runs out of larvicides. We are also unable to take action against violators because of interference from local politicians. They fear that they will lose votes if we fine people," he said. According to TN Public Health Act, the penalty for not checking mosquito breeding in residential buildings ranges from 50 to 500. Construction sites are fined 500 to 20,000.

Health experts say discarded materials like plastic cups, coconut shells that gather water aid mosquito breeding and hence the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Dr S Elango, former director of public health said: "The civic body should grant building plan approval only if the building owner follows vector control measures. Coordination between Southern Railway, PWD, slum clearance board and Metrowater is needed. The corporation has not been fining people for violations."

The corporation says it has intensified spraying of larvicide in drains, lakes and water tanks.

