Even as people of Kerala have no other option but to use a mosquito repellent if at all they want to sleep, the toxicity of the repellents is a constant worry. A fully ayurvedic non-toxic repellent developed by the Asha Workers in Udayamperoor panchayat seems to be the answer to that problem.The repellent contains herbs, which, when fumed in coconut shells or earthen pot kill mosquitoes instantly, but is believed to be toxic free. “The fumes of this unique mix have no health hazards. It is safe for even those suffering from diseases like acute asthma,” said M K Anilkumar, ward member of 19th ward Udayamperoor panchayat.The kits are being distributed free of cost in his ward.“We are planning to distribute the mix to other parts of the panchayat also through Asha workers,” he said.The Kochi Corporation and Tripunithura municipality are engaged in routine fogging which is not enough to control mosquitoes. Also, the highly toxic fog is considered hazardous to health. “The method of fogging is quite unscientific and can create many health problems,” said Harish CG, who was forced to stop his morning walk because of the fogging in the early hours.A shopkeeper near Statue Junction alleges that the workers often select the evening peak hours in the most crowded junctions for fogging. “We have to take special care to prevent suffocation,” he said.It is against this backdrop that the Health and Hygiene Committee of Udayamperoor panchayat has come out with the ayurvedic solution.Dr P Prabhakaran, an ayurveda doctor inaugurated the mission against mosquitoes by giving the medicinal kits to the residents. M K Anilkumar ward member, presided over the function. Biju S Nair Jr Health Inspector and Mini, ADS chairperson attended the function.
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