135
379.    From these figures it would appear that the cost of filling in or
efficiently protecting the dangerous house wells so common in the North Fort and
Dhobi Talao should not amount to more than from Rs. 15 to Rs. 50 per well. It
is probable that nearly all the most dangerous wells in these two sections could be
dealt with at cost of Rs. 50,000 and for a total expenditure of about Rs. 1,00,000
two-thirds of the dangerous wells in the south of the island could be prevented
from remaining breeding places of Neocellia stephensi.
380.    In regard to the prevention of dangerous anopheles from breeding in
the reservoirs and filter-beds at Malabar Hill and Mazagaon, it may be stated
that the cost of efficiently protecting all the ventilators, skylights and exits at
Malabar Hill water works should not be very great. It is probably that a sum
of less than Rs. 2,000 would amply suffice to meet the cost of the wire gauze
required and the work of placing it in position. As regards the provision of an
efficient waste water drain along the ravine west of Malabar Hill reservoir,
a budget grant sufficient for the estimated expenditure upon this work appears
to have been already sanctioned.
381.    At Mazagaon, the filter-beds being open, nothing short of covering
them will effectively prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The roofing of the
water works at Malabar Hill appears to have cost about Rs. 50,000, but as the
reservoirs at Mazagaon are below ground, only the filter-beds being exposed,
it is probable that a smaller sum than this would suffice for the work.
There is no data available to show the probable cost of the few small recla-
mations required at Nepean Sea Road, other parts of the foreshore at Malabar
Hill and also at Colaba. But no great sum of money would be needed and
the value of the reclaimed land would amply cover the expenditure incurred.
382.    In connexion with general mosquito prevention it may be remarked
that storm-water entrances and catch-pits, although they have no influence
on the spread of malaria, form ideal breeding places for Culex fatigans; and
just after the monsoon, when they contain water and in the dry weather, when
owing to the watering of the streets a little water finds its way into them,
swarms of larvæ of Culex fatigans are present in many of them. The provision
of covers for these entrances, which could be placed in position after the rains,
would materially reduce the number of mosquitoes in the City; and although
it is not a measure of anti-malarial sanitation, it would help to abate a serious
nuisance. There are about 6,000 of these storm entrances in the City; and
recently a proposal has been made to cover them with an improved lid, at a
cost of nearly Rs. 5,00,000.