Pune Faces Growing Mosquito Menace Due to Water Hyacinth; residents concerned
Pune Faces Growing Mosquito Menace Due to Water Hyacinth; residents concerned
Residents living along the Mula and Mutha rivers are facing an increasing mosquito problem due to the reappearance of water hyacinth in several locations. People fear the issue will worsen as temperatures rise in the coming weeks.
In the Mula Road area, large patches of hyacinth have covered the riverbed near Holkar Bridge, spreading up to Sangam Bridge. Residents along the Mutha River in Sinhagad Road, Shaniwar Peth, Sadashiv Peth, Kharadi, and Keshavnagar have also reported a rise in mosquito presence. Regular commuters say that areas near RTO, Dengale Bridge, and Deccan Gymkhana are badly affected with water hyacinth.
Besides the rivers, lakes in Katraj, Pashan, and Jambhulwadi have been facing the same issue for the past few years. Locals worry that the presence of hyacinth will lead to more mosquito breeding and increase the risk of diseases if the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) does not act quickly.
Experts say that the recurring problem of water hyacinth is mainly due to untreated sewage and garbage mixing in the river water. Every year, PMC removes the hyacinth, but it keeps coming back due to poor water quality.
PMC officials stated that contractors have been directed to clear the weed on priority in affected areas. Health department squads have also been instructed to conduct regular fogging near water bodies.
Former corporators have criticized PMC for spending large amounts of money on hyacinth removal each year without achieving long-term results. Citizens demand a more effective solution to keep the rivers clean and prevent mosquito-related health hazards.
