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When prevention is better than cure! By simply planting the right kind of plants, we can prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they cause.

Side effects of chemical based Mosquito Repellants

Using mosquito coils long-term exposure side-effects can include allergies, asthma and persistent wheeze, as well as respiratory irritation. Because they produce smoke, some research even links them to lung cancer. Plug-in mosquito repellents come in the form of vapourisers and mats. They may contain chemicals that are not safe to be inhaled and can cause or aggravate breathing problems. They may even irritate the eyes or cause allergies. In large doses, the chemicals can cause serious illnesses.

About

Living in New Delhi, I have observed an annual reoccurrence of an outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases with the number of suffers growing each year. The mosquito repellants are laden with chemicals, and their availability is limited in rural areas. To bring about a change in this scenario, I initiated a campaign called Nature for Health aimed at the extensive plantation of mosquito repellant plants to gradually reduce and eventually stop mosquito breeding. I started the drive in my own home where I planted Geranium, Citronella and Marigold. I visited the local nursery to learn about the aftercare the plants needed along with the optimum growing conditions. Seeing the difference in my own home, I encouraged friends, family and neighbours through word of mouth, door-to-door interactions to adopt the same practices. The collective difference in mosquito population and reduced use of chemical-based repellants encouraged me to reach out to Resident Welfare Associations of neighbouring colonies to enhance the outreach of Nature for Health. Finally targeting the grassroots problem, I used flyers and pledge cards to raise funds for planting samplings and their maintenance and aftercare in slums where mosquito breeding is in higher concentration.

Greening The Slums

Greening Slums as Community Outreach: What about the people who cannot afford chemical repellents? People who live in bastis and slums could barely afford to make ends meet – how could they afford any repellents and would be more prone to these diseases. Plants like marigolds and basil are expensive so I raised funds to distribute samplings in bastis and raised awareness with regular visits there.