Hyderabad battles mosquito surge as GHMC control fails
HYDERABAD: “What has happened to this city?” is a question increasingly heard among residents as mosquitoes swarm neighbourhoods and civic action remains inadequate. Over the past week to 10 days, the intensity has risen sharply, forcing people to shut windows and doors in homes and offices during evening hours.
Across most colonies and bastis in the city, stepping outdoors after dusk has become difficult. Residents say the problem persists despite seasonal conditions not typically associated with such high mosquito density in February.
One key factor cited is the unchecked growth of water hyacinth in lakes, which has become a breeding ground. While the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation spends nearly ₹20 crore annually through its engineering and entomology wings on removal, outcomes remain limited.
The issue resurfaced after Anti-Corruption Bureau raids in Kukatpally, where an assistant engineer was caught allegedly accepting bribes to clear payments for hyacinth-removal bills despite incomplete work. Officials involved in processing such bills are suspected of collecting large commissions, sources said.
Residents point out that mosquito trouble in February is unprecedented. Typically, the problem peaks during summer and monsoon months. Civic authorities say special drives are under way, including clearing garbage, removing long-pending waste and towing vehicles parked along roadsides, but residents say these steps have had little impact on mosquito control.
Many question why regular fogging is not visible across neighbourhoods. With people reporting illnesses linked to mosquito bites, citizens are asking if effective control is possible at all.
According to official data, the entomology wing has 2,375 staff and 145 fogging machines, with annual expenditure ranging between ₹25 crore and ₹30 crore. Residents, including a private employee from Allapur, say the spending has not translated into relief on the ground.
