Stagnant water in vacant plots worry residents in Tiruchi about spread of vector-born dieseases

Water stagnation on a vacant plot at Cauvery Nagar in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Water stagnating on vacant plots across Tiruchi has raised concerns over the potential for mosquito breeding, particularly during the northeast monsoon.Intermittent rainfall has left pools of water on plots, raising fears among residents that they could become mosquito-breeding hotspots and increase the risk of vector-borne diseases, including dengue.It is estimated that there are around 1,000 to 1,200 plots across the city. Although the Tiruchi Corporation has intensified its dengue prevention and surveillance measures, vacant plots remain a concern, as they may not be monitored or maintained regularly. Water can accumulate on the ground and in discarded containers, providing favourable conditions for mosquitoes to breed.Residents have called for regular inspection of vacant plots, particularly in residential neighbourhoods, to identify and eliminate potential breeding sources. They have stressed the need to ensure that property owners maintain their land and prevent water from stagnating during the rainy season. “The authorities should step up preventive measures and instruct landowners to ensure that their plots are kept free of stagnant water,” said Swaminathan, a resident.A senior Corporation official said notices were issued to plot owners. If the owners could not be traced, workers were deployed to pump out stagnant water. Domestic Breeding Checkers have been deployed across the five zones to identify and eliminate mosquito-breeding sources in residential and other premises. Regular fogging operations are being carried out across the city. Insecticides are being sprayed on open stormwater drains and drainage channels while penalties are imposed on property owners who fail to eliminate mosquito-breeding sources on their premises.At some locations, oil balls, small gunny bags containing a mixture of waste engine oil, and sawdust are being used to control mosquito breeding. When dropped into the water, the oil spreads across the surface, forming a thin film that cuts off the oxygen supply to mosquito larvae beneath. It prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water, thereby helping to control breeding, the official added. Published - October 28, 2026 08:32 pm IST