The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in Gujarat has identified 15,377 potential mosquito breeding sites through drone-based surveys and AI-assisted surveillance, with field teams completing insecticide spraying and source-reduction measures at 8,680 of those locations, according to a Health Department report released on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The initiative marks one of the most technologically intensive mosquito-control drives undertaken by any Indian municipal body this season.

Scale of the Drone Survey

As of 14 October, the aerial survey had covered 130.59 sq km of Rajkot's total area of 161.85 sq km — roughly 80% of the city. Drone crews logged 236 hours of insecticide spraying from the air, targeting waterlogged areas, drains, riverbeds, pits, and puddles where mosquitoes are most likely to breed. The technology is being deployed specifically at sites where ground-level spraying is difficult or hazardous, officials said.

Ground Operations Running in Parallel

Alongside the aerial exercise, Urban ASHA workers, field health workers, and multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) conducted anti-larval operations across 93,686 houses between 8 and 14 October. Fogging was carried out in 602 houses, while vehicle-mounted fogging machines were deployed in high-density zones including residential societies, public roads, and congregation points.

The civic body also inspected 317 non-residential premises — spanning construction sites, schools, hospitals, hotels, industrial units, scrap yards, and government offices — for breeding activity. Notices were issued to 274 persons in residential areas and 59 in commercial areas under relevant bylaws, accompanied by the collection of administrative charges.

The Disease Risk Behind the Drive

The RMC's Health Department noted that the Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue, bites during the daytime and can rapidly spread infection across a population. Its short life cycle and fast reproduction rate mean that even small pockets of stagnant clean water — in containers, flower pots, or construction debris — can trigger a population surge within days. Malaria and chikungunya are also under active surveillance as the post-monsoon season peaks.

Water-Borne Disease Surveillance

The corporation has simultaneously intensified water-borne disease monitoring. Between 8 and 14 October, health workers surveyed a population of 2,86,688, distributed 5,355 chlorine tablets and 973 oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets, and conducted 3,334 residual chlorine tests. Residents have been urged to prevent water accumulation in and around homes, cooperate with health teams, boil drinking water, and follow guidance issued by field workers.

With roughly 31 sq km of the city still to be covered by drone surveys, the RMC's campaign is expected to continue through the coming week as the post-monsoon disease window remains open.