Chennai Dengue Cases Reach 1,775: GCC Intensifies Mosquito Control with Drones

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has intensified mosquito control measures across the city after 1,775 confirmed dengue cases were reported amid a rise in fever cases.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inspected drone-based mosquito larvicide spraying near the Cooum River and Madras Medical College on September 29. The civic body is using larger drones to spray larvicide in waterways where manual mosquito-control operations are difficult.

Drone Mosquito Spraying in Chennai

The GCC has started bio-remediation spraying at the confluence of the North Buckingham Canal and Cooum River. The operation will also be expanded to the Cooum, Adyar and Buckingham Canal.

According to the GCC, larger drones are being deployed in waterways wider than 30 metres to help control mosquito breeding effectively.

3,703 Workers Deployed for Dengue Prevention

The Corporation has divided Chennai into 2,076 sectors and deployed 3,703 field workers for mosquito source reduction.

Workers inspect around 500 houses every week to identify and eliminate stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding sources.

The GCC has also mapped 25,035 vacant plots across the city for special monitoring and mosquito-control activities.

Chennai Records Over 8,300 Fever Cases

The GCC said Chennai has recorded more than 8,300 fever cases this month, including 1,775 confirmed dengue cases. Around 70% of dengue patients have reportedly recovered.

The intensified measures include larvicide spraying, fogging, drone operations and regular inspection of residential and vacant areas to reduce mosquito breeding across Chennai.