Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai residents are alarmed by an unseasonal mosquito surge, with rising evening activity forcing many to keep windows shut despite the summer heat.

Still, officials from the health department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have assured citizens that these are nuisance mosquitoes and do not transmit diseases like dengue or malaria. However, residents remain concerned.

Dr Prashant Jawade, medical officer of health, NMMC, confirmed that as of April, over 41,000 people have undergone blood testing for malaria, with only five testing positive and no dengue infections reported. “There is no evidence of disease spread, and no official complaints have been received,” he said.

“In the gavthan sections stretching from Digha to Belapur, a lack of proper sewage planning, clogged drains, and garbage accumulation have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Many residents of these areas do not follow proper dry and wet waste segregation, further worsening the problem,” said Siddharam Shilvant, a resident of Turbhe.

Construction activities across the city are also contributing to the issue, according to locals. “Water curing and damp conditions at construction sites are leading to increased mosquito breeding,” said another resident.

“Our health department staff visit construction sites on a weekly schedule to check for mosquito breeding. Regular anti-larval measures such as fumigation and spraying are being carried out citywide,” added Dr Jawade.

Month April - 2024

Blood sample collection  - 34535

Malaria positive - 9

Dengue

Sample sent - 33

Positive - 2

Month April 2025

Blood sample collection - 41214

Malaria positive - 5

Dengue

Sample sent - 12

Positive - 0