GHMC staff siphon off fogging fuel worth ₹9 crore annually
HYDERABAD:Â Fuel meant for mosquito control in the city is allegedly being siphoned off by some entomology staff of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), worsening mosquito infestation across several areas.
Despite not conducting fogging in many circles, officials are reportedly showing it on records and diverting diesel and petrol for private sale. Sources indicate that the misuse amounts to over ₹80 lakh a month, translating to more than ₹9 crore annually.
Earlier, a vigilance inquiry had detected similar irregularities and several outsourcing employees were removed from service. However, no action was taken against senior officials. The diversion has since continued and reportedly increased, leading to a rise in mosquito cases. Residents say they are unable to step out in the evenings due to mosquito menace.
Fuel sold below market rates
In response to earlier complaints, GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan introduced a card swipe system to replace fuel coupons. However, staff allegedly continued the diversion by swiping cards to draw fuel and selling it outside.
Petrol priced at ₹107.50 per litre is reportedly being sold to lorry, DCM and cab drivers at ₹100 or less. Diesel, priced at ₹95.70 per litre, is allegedly sold at ₹90 per litre.
Each large fogging machine is said to be allocated 20–25 litres of diesel and three litres of petrol daily. With around 60 large machines in use, the daily diversion is estimated at ₹1.50 lakh, amounting to ₹45 lakh per month. Small machines account for an additional ₹30 lakh per month. In total, ₹70–80 lakh worth of fuel is allegedly diverted every month.
Fogging suffers, mosquito cases rise
Officials are reportedly using less than 20% of the fuel allocated for fogging, pocketing the remaining funds.
Under the GHMC limits, there are 30 circles. Each circle has two large fogging machines, while each division has two small machines. Earlier, large machines were allocated 45 litres of diesel and seven litres of petrol daily.
With fogging activity reportedly reduced, mosquito infestation has increased across the city.
