In order to control the spread of dengue menace this year, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is going to use the new anti-mosquito larval drug named Barcelo as a pilot project at all the institutions/resident houses/shopping complex and Government buildings falling under its jurisdictions. This will be the first time when the NDMC will use this drug. The drug contains 2 per cent of diflubenzuron which works as IGR (Insects growth regulator) against the insects. According to the NDMC official, this anti mosquito larval drug is also used by the Delhi Cantonment for the dengue preparedness measures. The drug is newly launched in the market.
Dr PK Sharma, Chief Medical Official of NDMC told The Pioneer, "It is for the first time that the NDMC is using the use of anti mosquito larval drug Barcelo as a pilot project in all the institutions in NDMC. For testing, we did use this drug at cooler installed in the council and results are good. The drug Barcelo, has its impact for more than two weeks while the other existing anti mosquito larval drug does not have," said Dr Sharma.
The Delhi Government is also planning to use this drug for the dengue preparedness measures where as the Delhi Cantonment is using it, Dr Sharma added.
According to Sharma, drug Barcelo has much advantage such as it is handy and long lasting. "The existing anti mosquito larval drug comes in huge box of one kilogram, whereas, Barcelo comes in small box with 10 tablets. Earlier he inspector used to have a lot of problem in carrying the drugs on the field," said the official.
After the successful pilot project, the council will go for bulk purchases of the drug which would be used in all the water cooler installed in the NDMC area.
Over the years, the NDMC has been using Vectobac and Temephos, which are less effective than Barcelo drug, claimed the official. So far, the NDMC has issued 49 challans and about 2200 notices to the people/institutions and houses, including Government building, for not following the dengue preparedness measures.