Secunderabad colony older citizens take charge of mosquito control

HYDERABAD: While most residents of Gruhalakshmi Colony in Secundrabad close their doors after 18.00 IST, a group of older citizens steps out each Sunday evening, faces covered with masks, to supervise fumigation of the colony’s 100 houses.

For the past eight years, members of the Gruhalakshmi Colony Welfare Association (GCWA), aged between 65 and 80, have been ensuring regular fogging to combat the persistent mosquito menace.

Residents pool funds for fogging machine

At an annual general body meeting, the committee decided to buy its own fumigation machine after repeated delays from the Secunderabad Cantonment Board. "The SCB has very few fumigation machines and too many colonies to cover. They either come late or not at all. The right time for fogging is at sunset. Any later, and mosquitoes enter homes because of lights inside, making the exercise pointless," said Sharath Chander, an executive member of GCWA.

Residents contributed to purchase the machine, costing ₹35,000, with many donating immediately during the meeting. Since the 30-kg machine requires skilled handling, the association hired a young worker familiar with the process. "He has been taking care of fumigation for the last eight years for a salary of ₹800 per month," Chander added.

Older citizens oversee weekly operations

Despite having a worker, the older citizens remain actively involved. Every Sunday evening, they walk through the colony in turns to monitor the process and ensure no house is left out.

The association also offers indoor fogging for ₹50 per house. "The machine’s upkeep, including fuel, chemicals, labour, and repairs, costs ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 annually. "Residents’ monthly maintenance fees meet this," said another executive member, P Vyasamoorthy.