‘JJ flyover barrier is breeding malaria-causing mosquitoes’

Mumbai: The tyres that have been put up as crash barriers on the J J Flyover have become a breeding place for malaria-spreading mosquitoes because water has accumulated in them after the recent spell of rain, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body on Thursday served a notice to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for “misuse” of tyres, saying they were installed without permission in a “hazardous manner”.
    The notices was prompted by complaints from local residents that water accumulated in the tyres would lead to the spread of dengue and malaria in the area. Discarded tyres are a favourite breeding place for many mosquito species. “The MSRDC should have realised this. The tyres are installed in a manner that does not allow for the discharge of water,” said Deepak Adsul, chief insecticide officer, BMC.
    Civic officials have asked the local ward office to immediately remove the the tyres. “As it is, the facility for draining water on the flyover is poor. On top of this, the MSRDC, to earn a fast buck from sponsors, came up with a ridiculous idea that added to our woes,” said local resident Karim Khan.
    Adsul said periodically carrying out anti-larval treatment was a financial burden on the BMC.
    MSRDC officials said the tyres, installed by the local MLA with police permission, aimed to prevent accidents on the curves. “But we’ll look into the BMC’s grievance and remove the tyres soon,” said a senior MSRDC official.