Spurred by tragedy, Thokchom Khoiba innovates mosquito killer machine

Niranjan Oinam *

Thokchom Khoiba innovates mosquito killer machine :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Niranjan Oinam

Motivated by personal loss and a desire to prevent further tragedies, one Thokchom Khoiba of Singjamei has developed a mosquito-killing machine designed to combat the growing threat of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the state. Khoiba launched his mosquito killer machine, named Zanzara, following two years of dedicated research.

His inspiration stemmed from the death of his brother-in-law (elder sister's husband), during the peak of dengue cases in the state about two years ago.

The machine was formally launched by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on May 16 2025. Speaking to The People's Chronicle, Khoiba reflected on Manipur reeling under successive crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the state in 2020 . As the pandemic subsided, the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meetei and Kuki communities on May 3, 2023, triggered regression of the state, socially and economically.

In the midst of the unrest, dengue cases rose dramatically, claiming precious lives and aggravating the public health crisis. Khoiba's brother-in-law was among the victims. Devastated by the loss and the impact on his sister's family, Khoiba took a silent vow to contribute him mite in the fight against the disease.

He began working on an innovative approach to eliminate mosquitoes exploring the use of sound, light and chemical elements. His efforts culminated in Zanzara, a machine that combines ultraviolet (UV) light and airflow to kill mosquitoes.

Explaining the science behind the device, Khoiba said the UV light attracts mosquitoes, while a built-in fan draws them into a container. As the fan rotates, it creates a powerful air current that dehydrates the mosquitoes, ultimately killing them.

Khoiba described Zanzara as 100 per cent safe for the environment, non-toxic to humans and pets, and energy-efficient. However, he advised users to place the device at a safe distance due to the UV light, and includes a 5-metre wire to help set up a safe perimeter.

The product is available in two variants, automatic and non-automatic, and he is working on an upgraded version that uses a 467-nanometer light wave. The next version will specifically target mosquitoes while sparing other insects. He also said that all eligible machines already sold will be notified by June 15 for a free upgrade.

While the device has shown strong results in outdoor settings, he noted inquisitiveness of the users about its indoor effectiveness. To address the issue, Khoiba is introducing a natural mosquito repellent using a mixture of lemongrass leaves and charcoal. Burning the mixture indoors for an hour can drive mosquitoes out of the home for up to four hours as the smell it releases repels the mosquitoes.

Once the mosquitoes exit, the Zanzara device can take over. Khoiba is so confident in this supplementary solution that he offers a money-back guarantee with interest if it fails to work. The name Zanzara is derived from the Italian word for mosquito.

Khoiba said he was moved by a World War II story in which three Italian soldiers were rescued using a prototype aircraft. Though the pilot died during the return flight, the three soldiers survived. Inspired by the story of sacrifice and salvation, Khoiba adopted the Italian term as a tribute to the pilot's mission of saving lives.

Priced at Rs 13,000 due to the high cost of copper electroplating and quality components, Khoiba is currently offering the product at a discounted rate of Rs 5,000 for the first 500 customers.

Acknowledging that even Rs 5,000 remains unaffordable for many households amid the ongoing crisis, he is working on a low-cost model priced around Rs 2,000.He is also consulting with banks to provide EMI-options to make the product more accessible. For servicing, Khoiba said customers can bring their faulty units for repair, during which they will be provided with a replacement device.

After repairs are complete, the replacement will be exchanged back. Khoiba added that while female mosquitoes are the primary carriers of diseases such as dengue, malaria and yellow fever, male mosquitoes play a role in plant germination. Therefore, it is important not to eradicate all mosquitoes but to keep the disease-carrying species under control.

Currently, Zanzara is available for purchase at Max House, Singjamei Yumnam Leikai. Customers can also contact Khoiba through the Facebook and Instagram pages of "Zanzara Maxhouse" or by calling 8100405736.He offers free home delivery and installation services within Imphal area.

Khoiba said that he is committed to continually improving the device and contributing to the public health fight against vector-borne diseases, hoping that his invention will protect other families from the kind of loss his own has suffered.