Vector Control activity within NKDA operates in following steps:

A. Mosquito larva control: Vector Control Wing, Health Department, NKDA continues its activities to control mosquito breeding and larval growth  in various manner as under:

• Larvicide Spray (Manual): NKDA presently has deployed 117 Mosquito Larvicide Spray Workers in NKDA service area who works throughout the year to destroy the mosquito larva by destroying mosquito breeding sources and spraying larvicides in stagnant water bodies.

• Larvicide spray in canals via Boat : To strengthen vector control along canal systems, NKDA presently has deployed 15 manually operated wooden dinghy boats for spraying larvicides in different canals within the NKDA area.
  • This method allows for targeted spraying along canal banks, especially in areas that are otherwise inaccessible due to narrow or obstructed paths.
  • The use of these boats is environmentally friendly, as it avoids fuel consumption and eliminates noise pollution.
  • Notably, this initiative stands out as a unique and innovative approach, setting the New Town Kolkata apart as one of the few bodies in the state to adopt such eco - conscious and ground- level canal-focused vector control measures.

• Scooping of mosquito larva and pupa using insect collecting nets: As part of the canal-focused vector control drive, daily scooping of mosquito larva and pupa is being carried out using insect collecting nets along canal banks.
  • This method has been particularly useful in areas where larvicide spraying proves less effective due to the presence of dumped garbage and floating debris.
  • By manually removing the larvae, the mosquito life cycle is interrupted at an early stage, leading to a natural death of the immature stages.
  • This eco-friendly and cost- effective approach allows for the removal of a significant number of larvae in a single operation reducing the chances of adult mosquito emergence.

• Release of Guppy fish: As part of the biological control measures, NKDA releases guppy fish into selected stretches of the canal network and other perennial stagnant water bodies. These small freshwater fish feed on mosquito larvae, helping to naturally control their population without the use of chemicals.

B. Adult mosquito control: To control the adult mosquito menace NKDA performs fumigation and mosquito aduticide spraying as and where required covering the entire NKDA area in 4 (Four) days.

C. Surveillance using drone: Drone survey have been introduced by NKDA as a modern surveillance tool for identifying potential mosquito breeding sites. These aerial surveys provide a bird’s-eye view of otherwise inaccessible or concealed areas, enabling quick and accurate detection of stagnant water pockets and vegetation buildup. Once these breeding hotspots are identified, ground teams follow up with targeted manual larvicide spraying to eliminate the larvae before they mature.

D. House to House Survey: NKDA deploys workers for house to house survey activity every year from June – December. This activity involves a team visiting each household for performing the following actions:

• Identification of Breeding Sites: The survey team meticulously checks for mosquito larvae in and around houses, including water storage tanks, discarded tires, empty containers, and other potential breeding grounds.
• Larval Control: If mosquito larvae are found, the team implement measures to eliminate them, such as emptying containers, scrubbing them, or applying larvicides.
• Awareness Generation: The survey team educate residents about the dangers of dengue, the importance of mosquito control, and how to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Reporting and follow up of fever and dengue Cases: If any household members exhibit symptoms of fever, the team advise them to seek medical attention at a nearby health center for testing and treatment. The survey teams also perform follow up surveys for dengue patients.
• Community Involvement: The survey team will work with residents to promote community-based mosquito control measures and encourage individual responsibility in preventing the spread of dengue.

E. Bamboo Barricade: As part of preventive vector control efforts, temporary barricades made of bamboo and insect nets are being installed across selected stretches of canals.

• These barricades are designed to block the flow of floating garbage and water hyacinth from upstream areas—both of which are known to serve as resting places for adult mosquitoes and potential breeding sites.
• By preventing the accumulation of such debris, the barricades help maintain cleaner water channels and reduce mosquito-friendly environments.
• This low-cost and biodegradable solution is not only environmentally safe but also highly effective in limiting the spread of breeding materials across wider areas.

F. Regular Cleaning of Canals: In addition to periodic de-silting operation, NKDA carries out comprehensive cleaning drives for the peripheral canals. This involves systematic removal (both manual and mechanical) of jungles, bushes, water hyacinth, silt, and other obstructions from the canal beds and slopes at regular intervals.

G. Awareness programme:   NKDA vector control teams interact with residents of different housing societies, commercial housing complexes and with non-residential sectors for the purpose of creation of awareness. Regular Awareness campaigns are also being taken up with Educational institutions and Resident Welfare Associations.