Fogging to be intensified

KOCHI: In its efforts to intensify the anti-mosquito drive in the city, the Kochi Corporation will soon place orders for more hand-held fogging machines. The recent council meet has approved the proposal. The Corporation will purchase 25 hand-held fogging machines by utilising the funds under the People’s Planning Programme. Earlier, the civic body had purchased 25 hand-held fogging machines. “The decision to purchase more fogging machines is part of the Corporation’s plans to expand the benefits of hand-held fogging to all the divisions under it,” said a Corporation official.He said hand-held machines could be used on narrow and small roads. “These roads are not accessible to vehicle-mounted fogging machines which require more power and expense for functioning,” the official said. The Corporation had also given training in operating them to workers. The cost of a fogging machine is `28,000. The Corporation has already paid `7 lakh for the purchase of the first set of machines. “Experts have certified the efficiency of the machines which can be operated by petrol, electricity or battery and come with a two-year maintenance guarantee,” he said. He said the Health Department had also purchased nylon nets for covering the air pipes of septic tanks. “We have joined hands with various residents associations to implement our plan to cover the pipes with nylon nets. The air holes at the end of the pipes are the escape routes of mosquitoes that breed in septic tanks.” he said.