RAWALPINDI, Aug 16: The presence of dengue mosquitoes in the garrison city sent alarm bells ringing, as the health department teams on Thursday found larva of Aedes aegypti (dengue mosquitoes) in different parts of the city.

During a visit to different areas, District Health Officer Dr Ansar Ishaq checked tyre shops, graveyard and junkyards because these areas are a breeding place for mosquitoes.

The health department found larva at Dhoke Ratta (Union Council No 2), Pirwadhai (Union Council No 9), Glass Factory Mohallah (Union Council No 31), Dhoke Dalal and Istabal Road near Novelty Cinema (Union Council No 38), Mohanpura (Union Council No 36) and Raja Zafarul Haq Road (Union Council No 42).

Soon after the larva was found, the District Health Officer immediately called Entomologist Mahwish Raja and both re-checked the area and destroyed the larva, while spraying anti-dengue medicines.

While talking to Dawn, District Health Officer Dr Ansar Ishaq said that it was the duty of the town municipal administration to remove the tyres, which are lying abandoned on roadsides. During the rain, the water accumulated in these tyres becomes a breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes.

“The sanitary situation is going from bad to worst in these union councils as the piles of garbage were seen on roadsides. There is dire need to pay attention on sanitation and keep the city areas neat and clean after the rains,” he said.

He said that he brought the situation in the notice of Executive District Officer and District Coordination Officer and urged them to direct municipal services department to improve sanitation condition and TMAs to launch aggressive campaigns against abandoned tyres.

Meanwhile, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Saqib Zafar called a meeting of the health department, TMAs and civil defence officials to chalk out a future plan to avoid spread of dengue virus in the district.

The DCO directed the Potohar and Rawal Town Municipal administration to launch an aggressive campaign against the tyre shops and other departments to drain out water accumulated in vacant plots and parks in the city.

He asked Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA) to start cleanliness drive in the 42 parks of the city and spray anti-dengue medicines to prevent these parks from dengue virus.

He said that the green belts along the roads would also be made safe for the general public.

While giving a briefing, EDO Health Dr Zafar Iqbal Gondal said that the health department had recruited five entomologists and deployed them at Rawal and Potohar towns, Taxila, Kahuta and Murree.

He sought the permission of the DCO to get the services of 300 volunteers to launch indoor sprays in vulnerable union councils of the city and the district. He said that the social welfare department provided 1000 volunteers but the department needs more to run the campaign effectively.