Chandigarh: In a technology-driven push to curb dengue , Punjab is turning to drones to spray larvicides in mosquito-breeding sites that are difficult to reach through conventional methods, with a 60-day operation planned for identified hotspots in Patiala district .




Health minister Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative aims to target mosquito-breeding sites that are difficult to access through conventional methods, including stagnant water bodies, rooftops, abandoned plots and congested localities. “Instead of merely reacting to dengue cases, our focus is on identifying and destroying mosquito larvae,” the minister said.




He said the first phase of the exercise would cover identified dengue hotspots and mosquito-breeding sites in Patiala, which recorded a high disease burden in 2025. The operation will involve aerial spraying of approved larvicides or insecticides, daily field reporting and monitoring through surveys to assess larval and adult mosquito density, the minister said.




The health department will be responsible for identifying hotspots, securing clearances, coordinating local operations and providing technical supervision. Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative was being undertaken on a non-financial basis, with no financial transactions involving the state exchequer.




A joint review will be conducted within 10 days of the project’s completion to assess changes in mosquito larval density and determine the scope for expanding the initiative to other districts in phases.