Pune: Mula-Mutha River Choked With Hyacinth, Raising Mosquito-Borne Disease Risk In Kharadi And Keshav Nagar
Pune: Mula-Mutha River Choked With Hyacinth, Raising Mosquito-Borne Disease Risk In Kharadi And Keshav Nagar
Pune, March 25, 2026: A rapid increase in water hyacinth growth in the Mula-Mutha river has emerged as a major environmental and public health concern for residents of Keshav Nagar and Kharadi.
Residents, including those living in housing societies such as Purva Silversands, report that dense layers of the aquatic weed have led to stagnant water conditions over the past few months. These conditions are conducive to mosquito breeding, significantly increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.
Despite multiple complaints and follow-ups by local residents, civic response has been limited. Authorities within the Pune Municipal Corporation have yet to implement a coordinated solution, with different departments attributing responsibility to one another.
Officials from the insect control division have stated that effective mosquito management is not possible without first clearing the hyacinth. Meanwhile, the department responsible for hyacinth removal has cited reduced river flow near newly constructed bridges as a contributing factor, placing responsibility on infrastructure-related agencies.
This lack of coordination has left residents frustrated, as they continue to face worsening environmental conditions and potential health risks. Citizens argue that the ongoing delays reflect a broader issue of accountability within civic administration.
With the monsoon season approaching, concerns are growing that the situation could escalate into a larger public health crisis if immediate action is not taken. Residents have warned that continued inaction may lead to collective protests.
Citizens are urging the civic body to take swift, coordinated measures to remove the hyacinth and control mosquito breeding, stressing the need to protect public health and restore environmental balance in the affected areas.
