‘Mosquitoes may have developed resistance to fogging’: Sridhar Babu

The issue came up during the ongoing Assembly session after concerns were raised over the increasing mosquito problem in Hyderabad. Sridhar Babu said fogging operations were being carried out regularly, but mosquitoes continued to be reported across the city. He said officials would examine whether resistance to the chemicals used in fogging was contributing to the problem and work out an appropriate solution.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing public concern over mosquito swarms in several parts of Hyderabad. In recent weeks, videos showing large concentrations of mosquitoes, including one from Uppal, have circulated widely and prompted residents to demand stronger preventive measures.

However, the persistence of mosquitoes cannot automatically be attributed to insecticide resistance. Public-health guidelines emphasise that fogging primarily targets adult mosquitoes and is most effective when combined with measures to eliminate breeding sites and control mosquito larvae.

The issue therefore raises broader questions about the effectiveness of Hyderabad’s mosquito-control strategy, particularly around stagnant water, drains and other potential breeding grounds.

Sridhar Babu said the government would examine the possible resistance issue and identify measures to bring the situation under control.

The minister currently holds the Information Technology, Electronics and Communications portfolio, among others, in the Telangana Cabinet.