There is a total reign of mosquitoes in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Despite some measures taken at individual, community and municipal levels, there seems to be no respite from the ghastly invasion of mosquitoes spiraling woes of the people.
The story of mosquitoes is nothing new. These tiny flies having perfect skin-piercing capacity have long legacies, perhaps as much as any other living species on earth. They have never been human-friendly and remained astute in being a health hazard. Mosquitoes have even killed so many human beings and they force us to weave a plethora of protective measures to keep them away or beat them. Alas, these tiny creatures seem to be more powerful and continue to deceive our "safety and security" cover. Their fiesta of biting and sucking our blood rolls on, miles after miles, days after days - with no sign of any relief.
There is hardly anyone who can claim not to have been attacked by mosquitoes. From a child to ageing people, everyone is their target. Mosquitoes have no discrimination towards age, sex, caste or creed. Of course, they are predominant in tropical areas and as such we, in our country, feel the biggest brunt.
These tiny creatures have also been commandeering our thoughts, day and night, in a very massive way. Newspaper reports, television talk shows, household gossips and where not that they are discussed. They seem to be courageously omnipresent on all occasions with a fearless "don't care" attitude and pledge. They perhaps know well our intent and capacity to beat them, no matter what innovations we try from mosquito net to aerosol to coil to electronic bat.
It is a matter of shame and sadness that we have failed to combat the aggression of mosquitoes. Quite obviously all fingers point at the municipal authorities who are entrusted with the responsibility and budget to deal with the menace. It is evident that they have been failing much due to their lack of commitment, planning and execution. There is no accountability to the tax payers' money which are supposed to be used to facilitate them enjoy a secured and healthy living. Unfortunately, the municipal authorities do not seem to be feeling the pulse of the citizens.
It does not need any big scientific root cause analysis to probe the onslaught of mosquitoes. Stagnant water, unclean drains and rotten garbage accumulations are the heavenly bliss for the mosquitoes to regenerate and there is plenty of those breeding grounds in our cities and towns. Honestly, it does not need to be any gigantic task to maintain these in proper state and with economic costs much lower than the health costs due to mosquito-borne diseases.
It is feared that with such a "mosquito scenario", diseases like dengue, chikungunya and even other deadly viruses might have an easy and widespread sway. The threats are lurking and public worries are mounting.
The municipal authorities and the health department must jumpstart an effective ambush to kill the mosquito breeding sources. Let them no more sit idle and wait for any "strategic" planning to wage crusade against mosquitoes. It does not need any cannon to kill the mosquito!
(mohicsr@gmail.com)
