Agartala, Mar 20: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today said that the state government has undertaken a series of steps to make Agartala city free from mosquitoes.

Speaking on the 6th day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Dr. Saha informed that the drains in Agartala Municipal Corporation are cleaned from time to time and are being closely monitored.

“However, after the rainy and dry seasons, if water cannot flow and remains stagnant, mosquitoes increase. Now, most drains in Agartala are covered, though there are some places where we cannot provide covered drains. Stopping mosquitoes is very difficult, as even in big cities you will find the same problem. However, we are taking steps including regular drain cleaning, road cleaning, market cleaning, and cleaning of drains in urban local bodies,” said Dr. Saha.

Dr. Saha said that under the 2024–25 and 2025–26 financial years, Rs 10 crore has been given to the Agartala Municipal Corporation specifically for cleaning and making the city free from mosquitoes.

“We need ponds and water bodies, but stagnant water causes mosquitoes. Even in open water sources, mosquitoes can survive. We can only take preventive measures. We are continuously spraying medicines in the city, drains, and hospitals to destroy mosquito larvae using machines. We are also using fogging machines to kill adult mosquitoes. In AMC areas, a public health standing committee has been formed to observe the entire matter and take timely steps,” he said.

He informed that the Health Department is also distributing mosquito nets along with carrying out awareness campaigns in the state against stagnant water.

“We are also distributing leaflets. Everyone must clean their surroundings. We are also releasing Gambusia fish to stop mosquito breeding in small canals. Steps are being taken to cover uncovered drainage systems. Directions have been given to ward secretaries and sanitary inspectors to maintain closer observation,” he added.