RAWALPINDI: Unable to control the rising number of dengue cases in the district, the Punjab government has asked the local administration to use fish from Rawal Dam hatchery to eliminate the dengue mosquitoes’ larvae, especially in parks.

Complying with the instructions of the provincial government, the agriculture and health departments released two species of fish in the ponds and fountains so that dengue mosquitoes and their larva could be eliminated without spraying anti-dengue chemicals.

More than 23 cases of dengue have been reported in the three public hospitals of the garrison city, while the data from private clinics and hospitals is not available.

“We have been instructed to release fish from the Rawal Dam hatchery in the ponds and fountains so that the dengue mosquitoes and larva could be eliminated,” said Executive District Officer (EDO) Agriculture Dr Shahid Sajjad Asghar while talking to Dawn.

He said, “The fish available with the agriculture department are an effective remedy to eliminate the mosquitoes. These will feed on the larvae and destroy the breeding grounds of the mosquitoes.”

The EDO said the health department had pointed out various sites where the agriculture department would release the fish after making water conditions suitable for their breeding.

Officials of the two departments have released the fish in fountains at the Nawaz Sharif Park and some ponds in the villages.

“It is the part of a strategy to eliminate dengue mosquitoes,” said District Officer Health (Urban Areas) Dr Ansar Ishaq. He said that the health department had conducted fumigation in the areas from where dengue patients had arrived in hospitals.

He added that the department was also focusing on bus terminals and especially on vehicles coming from Swat where more than 2,800 people are affected with dengue.

“The garrison city is the main stop for people coming from Swat and most of these reside in the 10 union councils around Pirwadhai General Bus Stand,” Dr Ishaq said, adding that indoor surveillance was also being conducted.

He said health officials found dengue mosquitoes at the Rawal Town Municipal Administration (RTMA) offices, the under construction Mother and Child Hospital and at many other areas of the city.

Meanwhile, the municipal services and environment departments sealed four tyre shops and secondhand waste material shops in and around Pirwadhai General Bus Stand. They also issued notices to 20 others for not taking measures against the spread of dengue mosquitoes.