JMC intensifies thermal fogging, spraying drive to prevent dengue, malaria, other vector-Borne diseases

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 20: Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Dr. Devansh Yadav today conducted a review of the ongoing citywide thermal fogging and spraying campaign aimed at preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The Commissioner reiterated that safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens is the foremost priority of the Jammu Municipal Corporation and emphasized the need for sustained and coordinated efforts at all levels.

Directing the field teams to intensify operations in sensitive, waterlogged, and densely populated areas, where the risk of mosquito breeding remains high, Dr. Yadav appealed to residents to extend their cooperation by keeping their surroundings clean, avoiding water stagnation in household containers, overhead tanks and open drains and by covering stored water properly. He further advised citizens to adopt preventive practices such as using mosquito nets, repellents, and wearing full-sleeved clothing to reduce exposure to bites.

The special campaign, which is being jointly executed by the JMC, Health Department, and Anti-Malaria Department, marks the third round of fogging this year. The first campaign was launched in July, and in continuation, the present round covers various wards on a daily basis. As part of today’s schedule, thermal fogging and spraying were conducted in Ward No. 41 (Bohri area) and Ward No. 61 (Patta Paloura area). The Malaria Control Teams are carrying out door-to-door spraying, while JMC’s specialized machinery is engaged in large-scale thermal fogging.

To ensure systematic coverage, JMC has prepared a ward-wise roster, under which teams are deployed to different localities every day. The Commissioner informed that the campaign will continue till 18th October, thereby ensuring protection during the post-monsoon period, when the risk of dengue and malaria remains at its peak.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yadav said, “Through thermal fogging and spraying, we are making consistent efforts to protect the people of Jammu from vector-borne diseases. However, the success of this campaign depends not only on government action but also on people’s cooperation. Citizens must take responsibility by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, not allowing water to stagnate, and adopting basic precautionary measures. Together, we can minimize the risk of diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.”

The Commissioner also highlighted that while dengue cases reported this year are significantly lower compared to 2024, the JMC is leaving no stone unturned to prevent any sudden rise. Awareness drives are being conducted alongside fogging to educate people about the importance of personal hygiene, safe water storage, and timely medical consultation in case of fever or related symptoms.

Malaria Expert of Jammu Health Department, Dr. Dhruv Raina and Health Officer of JMC, Dr. Vinod Sharma, were also present. They briefed the Commissioner about the technical aspects of the campaign and the precautions being suggested to residents. Both officers stressed that consistent efforts by health authorities, combined with active public participation, are the key to keeping Jammu city free from mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Jammu Municipal Corporation once again appeals to the citizens to support the campaign by ensuring cleanliness in their neighbourhoods and by promptly reporting any issue of water stagnation or mosquito breeding sites to the concerned authorities.