Culex Mosquito Plagues Mumbai Suburbs, BMC Set to Act in March
Mumbai’s suburban areas are grappling with an escalating mosquito problem, with residents reporting an overwhelming increase in the presence of the Culex mosquito, commonly referred to as the “nuisance mosquito.” While the problem is intensifying, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that it will only intensify cleaning efforts for stormwater drains and nullahs by March. Until then, residents are left to deal with the discomfort and potential health risks.
Residents in high-rise complexes, particularly those near Aarey Milk Colony along Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, have been the hardest hit, with mosquitoes swarming their homes. Tasneem Shaikh, a resident, lamented, “With half of Mumbai under construction, the debris only adds to the mosquito problem. Our building fumigates regularly, but the strong winds near Aarey often render it ineffective. If windows are left open, the mosquitoes come in swarms.” The mosquitoes primarily responsible for the surge in suburban areas are the Culex mosquitoes, which thrive in polluted, stagnant water found in the city’s stormwater drains and nullahs. The BMC acknowledged that, while they conduct fumigation, the season for Culex mosquitoes begins in November, and the drains are typically cleaned only in March as per the city’s flood mitigation protocols.
A BMC official explained, “During the monsoon, stormwater drains flow constantly, preventing mosquito breeding. However, after the rains, stagnant water in the drains creates ideal breeding grounds. A single female Culex mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs, resulting in millions of mosquitoes emerging from even a single drain.” Residents, especially those in suburban areas with open or clogged drains, are left frustrated by the lack of immediate action. “The problem is much worse in the suburbs. Culex mosquitoes are known vectors for lymphatic filariasis, although no cases have been reported in the city. However, their presence remains a major nuisance,” the official added.
The health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases are also a significant concern. Dr. Harshad Limaye, an expert in infectious diseases, highlighted the growing concern of Culex mosquitoes in transmitting viruses such as the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV). “While Culex mosquitoes have not been proven to naturally spread diseases like the West Nile Virus in India, they can transmit other viruses such as Chikungunya and the Chittoor virus. Preventive measures, such as draining stagnant water and using insecticide-treated nets, are essential,” he said. Experts stress the importance of immediate action in preventing a public health crisis. “Fumigation, larvicidal treatments, and better control of stagnant water are necessary in high-risk areas,” Dr. Limaye added.
With exams and other essential activities disrupted due to the mosquito menace, many residents have urged the authorities to expedite their response. Until the BMC intensifies its efforts in March, residents are left to battle the swarm of mosquitoes with DIY solutions like mosquito nets and repellents. The question now remains: will these measures be enough to keep Mumbai’s suburban residents safe and comfortable in the coming months?
