Mosquitofish introduced in ponds to tackle mosquito menace

In a bid to tackle increasing mosquito menace in the city, Chennai corporation has introduced western mosquitofish or Gambusia affinis in over 660 ponds to control mosquito population in fresh water bodies.
Chennai Corporation Mayor Saidai Duraisamy inaugurated the initiative on the eve of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's 66th birthday.
He released mosquitofish in Karaneeswaran temple pond along with senior corporation officials.
While corporation officials have taken other initiatives like pesticides to control the mosquito menace and possible eventuality of malaria, maintaining fresh water bodies in the city has been a challenge, where mosquito larvae was increasingly breeding.
"Breeding mosquitofish in fresh water bodies has reduced the mosquito population as the fish feed on the eggs laid by mosquitoes," a corporation release said.