Fogging request to be available at a click on My GHMC app

GHMC introduces new fogging request feature in My GHMC app for residents to tackle mosquito menace effectively.

Is your area swarming with mosquitoes and in need of fogging. Here is some good news for residents. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is introducing a new interactive feature in the My GHMC app that will allow residents and corporators to request for fogging in their respective localities. The new feature is currently being tested in the Jubilee Hills Circle, after which it will be extended to other areas within the GHMC limits.

Those within the GHMC limits who want to get their area fogged must log onto the app and choose the ‘Fogging Request’ option. The request will be automatically forwarded to the assistant entomologist, who will assign it to the entomology worker of the area. After fogging is completed, a photo of the operation will be uploaded along with the geo-coordinates, as a proof of the job attended. However, the number of slots for fogging will be available based on the availability of staff in the area.

According to GHMC officials, there has been a rise in complaints by residents and corporators at council meetings of fogging not being done in their wards. This has resulted in repetitive fogging in a few areas. “The new feature addresses these complaints, while preventing repetitive requests as the app will restrict requests from the same area for a week. Additionally, it will also ensure optimal utilisation of resources,” said the statement.

Unlike anti-larval operations, fogging is a cost-intensive operation as it involves vehicles and diesel consumption. Further, the chemicals used for fogging might be a potential health risk for humans.

As per earlier studies conducted by the Entomology department, despite fogging being done by the department the mosquito menace is on the rise as they seem to have grown immune to the chemicals.