Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Wednesday hoped that the dengue situation in the capital will come under control with the ongoing combing operation to destroy Aedes mosquito larvae.

Talking to reporters while inspecting an anti-mosquito drive at Khilgaon PWD Colony, he urged the city dwellers to become alert and play a responsible role in containing the Aedes mosquito menace. 

The mayor said they repeatedly sent letters to the authorities of government residential complexes in the DSCC areas alerting them about the Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. “We asked them to clean their areas but we found larvae here during our visit today (Wednesday). It’s really very sad.”

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He said it will be very difficult to control the dengue situation if the city dwellers do not keep their own areas clean and remove the breeding grounds and sources of Aedes mosquitoes.

“We’re working (to eradicate dengue). We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to control the spread of dengue or Aedes mosquitoes through the ongoing combing operation. Though it’s a very difficult task, we’re making our efforts to do so,” the mayor said.

Taposh said it is regrettable that government residential complexes are dirty and grubby. “We’re getting tough against and imposing fines. Even then, we’re observing the irresponsibility and carelessness of people.  This is not expected in any way.”

He said the spread of dengue can be controlled easily if only the city dwellers act responsibly. “But without people’s awareness and cooperation, it’s very difficult to carry out the Aedes mosquito control activities in the city of 12 million people.”

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Earlier, Taposh planted saplings on the bank of Manda canal beside TT Para Pump Station.

The DSCC has been carrying out the combing operation to eradicate Aedes mosquitoes comprising executive magistrates and its other officials for a long time. 

It also opened a control room on Monday and urged all to provide information about the breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes by dialing its numbers, 01709900888 and 029556014.