Mosquito Menace in Odisha: Agencies Fail to Control Urban Outbreak

Bhubaneswar: Despite multiple agencies and crores of rupees spent annually, the mosquito menace continues to plague Odisha’s urban centres.

Residents in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Puri report that repellents, nets, and fogging machines have failed to provide relief.

While dengue cases have declined, nuisance mosquitoes—though less disease‑causing—are creating widespread discomfort. Experts warn the situation could worsen in the coming months.

In November, the State Public Health Directorate instructed municipal commissioners to prepare action plans focusing on sanitation drives, drain cleaning, solid waste management, Gambusia fish farming, and ward‑level mapping of breeding sites. Yet, clarity is missing on whether these plans have been implemented.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation claims to have deployed 50 workers, introduced ML oil in drains, released Gambusia fish in several wards, and intensified fogging.

However, officials admit complete eradication is impossible without multi‑departmental cooperation.

Citizens remain frustrated as the mosquito menace grows unchecked, highlighting gaps in coordination, accountability, and execution across agencies.