The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the state health department have jointly initiated a pilot study in Gopalpura, near Majestic. This strategic move involves the installation of 120 ovitraps, also known as mosquito traps, aimed at significantly reducing the local mosquito population and, consequently, the spread of diseases such as dengue, Zika virus, and malaria.
The ovitraps are strategically placed at intervals of 25 feet throughout the area as part of a comprehensive two-month study designed to evaluate their effectiveness. These traps, known as bio ecotraps, are filled with water and a pesticide called Pyriproxyfen. This chemical is particularly effective in attracting Aedes mosquitoes, which are notorious carriers of various viral diseases. Once the mosquitoes lay their eggs in the traps, the pesticide works to eliminate both the adult insects and their eggs, thereby reducing the overall mosquito population in the vicinity. Health Minister, during the launch of the study, emphasised that this initiative mirrors a successful model previously implemented in Dharavi, Mumbai. He noted, “If this pilot study yields positive outcomes, we plan to replicate this model across the city. Controlling mosquito populations is crucial, especially in densely populated areas where the spread of diseases affects the poor and working-class communities the most.”
The pilot project will be closely monitored by researchers from the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) and M S Ramaiah Medical College. These institutions are tasked with analysing the data collected from the ovitraps to determine the density and breeding patterns of mosquitoes in Gopalpura. The findings will be pivotal in shaping future strategies for mosquito control in Bengaluru. As part of the ongoing study, the installed ovitraps will be replaced after four weeks with new ones to ensure the continued effectiveness of the mosquito control measures. The comprehensive analysis will offer insights into the potential scalability of this method across other parts of Bengaluru, should the pilot prove to be effective.
The deployment of ovitraps is seen as an innovative approach to mosquito control, offering a targeted and environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional fogging and chemical spraying methods. By directly addressing the breeding sites of mosquitoes, the BBMP and the state health department aim to achieve a significant reduction in the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes, thus safeguarding public health. Given Bengaluru’s diverse and densely populated urban landscape, the success of this pilot could pave the way for more widespread adoption of similar strategies in other vulnerable areas of the city. The ongoing efforts by BBMP and state health authorities underline a proactive stance in managing public health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases, ensuring that residents are better protected against outbreaks in the future.
