After a spike in the vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) D ward — comprising Malabar Hill, Pedder Road, Grant Road, Mahalaxmi, and Tardeo — with a large number of non-slum residential buildings, has turned to citizens organisations and ALMs (Advanced Locality Management) to create awareness and tackle mosquito breeding spots in their vicinity. Citizens, meanwhile, have demanded that the civic body focus on mosquito breeding spots at public and private construction sites in the city.

The BMC initiated the awareness drive in high-rise buildings to ensure compliance to civic rules regarding mosquito breeding spots in residential spaces, under the provisions of section 381(B) of the Municipal Corporation Act 1888 (regarding prohibition of mosquito breeding and collection of water on any land). BMC’s D ward has a population of 364,866 people, with a density of 418 people per kilometre, and a large number of non-slum residential buildings.

A senior civic official said, “It is challenging to control monsoon-related vector-borne diseases in residential buildings and upmarket housing societies. The BMC does not easily get entry to the premises. It cannot inspect homes of private individuals. However, so many homes ignore simple measures to curb mosquito breeding spots, such as accumulation of water in potted plants, on rooftop balconies, and on overhead tanks.” BMC’s public health department has decided to launch a special drive in residential buildings to create awareness about such spots.