Pune: PMC Writes to Pune Metro Over Mosquito Breeding Sites

Pune Metro, executed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), is conducting construction work at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate areas. Due to the rising number of Zika and dengue cases in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is spraying insecticides at mosquito breeding sites. However, the Pune Metro administration has prohibited PMC from spraying insecticides on its property.

When PMC officials attempted to spray insecticide on stagnant water, metro security personnel prevented them from doing so. The construction sites have raw materials and debris lying in disorder, causing rainwater accumulation and increasing mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, there is stagnant water on the metro station’s drainage system channels.

Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, acting chief medical officer, said, “Mosquitoes are breeding in many places where metro construction work is underway. However, the metro authorities are not allowing us to spray medicine.” She added, “We have written to them about the issue on Friday, July 5, and if they do not cooperate, we will take action by imposing a fine.”

Hemant Sonawane, public relations officer of Pune Metro, stated, “We are taking care of mosquito breeding spots on our premises. We have a separate health and environment department which takes care of such issues.” A senior metro official, requesting anonymity, mentioned, “If we allow PMC officials, they will have to wear helmets and other safety equipment at construction sites, and they don’t have it. Besides that, after spraying insecticide, the work will be held for one and a half hours.”