Parel's malaria workshop

Improper storage is creating mosquito breeding grounds at workshop, BMC tells Railways

Stung by the scale of last year's malaria epidemic in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s health officers are leaving no stone unturned to keep the city free of mosquitoes this year. In 2010, 6,800 malaria cases and 62 deaths were reported in the city, while April 2010 to February 2011 saw 75,860 cases. January to March 2011 have already seen 12,000 cases and eight deaths.


The BMC has notified the Railways about possible breeding grounds for
malaria larvae at its Parel workshop. Pics/ Datta Kumbhar

The department has shot off a letter to the Railways, urging them to implement changes in storage patterns to keep the premises of its property mosquito-free. About time, given that the F south region, which houses the railway workshop in Parel, has already seen around 306 cases of malaria in the month of March alone.

An insecticide official explained, on condition of anonymity, "When we visited the Parel workshop, we found loose railway wheels that weigh almost 300 kilograms each, stacked one above the other. This means large holes that lie at the centre of each wheel (through which the bars that connect two wheels together, pass), lie on top of each other, creating a tunnel of sorts for water to accumulate.

This, then becomes the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed. Even though anti larvae oil is sprayed, it floats on top, doing nothing for the breeding that continues underneath. We spotted similar cases last year too but after the malaria scare of 2010, we want the Railways to address the problem immediately."

Officials also noted that buffers, the two large bars at the front and back of trains and at the end of platforms, were being stored with their openings facing the sky. Buffers are used to prevent trains from going past the end of the track. "These places turn into easy sites for breeding, and once that begins, malaria spreads like wildfire," said an officer, requesting anonymity.

Confirming that an urgent letter detailing suggested changes had been sent to the Railways, Dr Arun Bamane, BMC Chief Insecticide Officer, said, "We have intimated the Railways about necessary precautions, especially in the workshop area. This year we want to nip the problem in the bud. If breeding sites are eliminated quickly, we won't have to face a malaria epidemic."

However, VA Malegaonkar, Central Railway Spokesperson, seemed to disagree. "We regularly undertake fogging at workshops and at all Railways' residential colonies. Anti-malaria drives have already begun and are being carried out on a regular basis." When asked about the aforementioned letter, he said, "I will have to find out from the workshop, but rest assured, all steps to curb malaria are being undertaken."

Last monsoon, two residential colonies near Currey Road station reported a rise in malaria cases. Investigating officers spotted breeding sites in the radius of poles erected along the tracks. These poles are fixed with concrete, which had drained away in the rain, creating pools. They were later filled from Dadar to Chinchpokli, after the Railways has been informed.