AMC intensifies anti-mosquito drive ahead of monsoon

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its pre-monsoon drive to curb mosquito breeding and prevent outbreaks of dengue and malaria across the city. Civic authorities said extensive anti-larval operations, fogging drives and surveillance measures were currently underway in all zones.According to AMC officials, 577 mosquito breeding spots have been detected across the city since Jan this year, while notices and penalties were issued to 88 construction sites for failing to comply with mosquito-control norms. Officials added that 274 fogging machines were currently operational across Ahmedabad.Health data released by the civic body indicates a decline in vector-borne diseases this year compared to corresponding period in 2025.Last year, Ahmedabad recorded 1,591 dengue cases, including 1,347 cases in govt hospitals and 244 in private hospitals. Malaria cases stood at 784 for Plasmodium Vivax (PV) and 177 for Plasmodium Falciparum (PF).In contrast, from Jan to May this year, the city has reported 110 dengue cases, including 104 in govt hospitals and six in private hospitals, along with 54 malaria (PV) and 11 malaria (PF) cases.AMC officials said the corporation was carrying out removal of abandoned tyres, scrap material and water-accumulating debris to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Intensive inspections were also being conducted at govt and semi-govt offices, hospitals, commercial units and municipal schools, where nodal officers have been appointed to ensure compliance with health bylaws.The Ahmedabad city has been divided for daily monitoring, with special mapping of high-risk mosquito breeding areas. Officials said fortnightly larvicidal operations, fever surveys and door-to-door checks are being carried out, especially in slum pockets and hotspot areas.Authorities said rapid response teams have been kept ready in case of any outbreak, although no outbreak situation has been reported so far. Public awareness campaigns through Smart City screens and cinema halls are also being conducted to educate citizens about mosquito control and prevention measures.