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Panvel Releases 50,000 Weevils to Fight Wadale Lake Weed
Wadale Lake has too much of a fast-growing water plant called Salvinia molesta.
The plant can cover the water and make it harder for water and animals to move around.
Panvel Municipal Corporation released tiny insects called weevils that eat this plant.
These insects are meant to control the weed without using many chemicals.
Officials first released 20,000 weevils in May 2026.
They released another 50,000 after the insects multiplied naturally.
The weed may start changing color by February 2027.
Officials expect the control process to be mostly finished by November 2027.
They hope this will help restore the lake’s natural balance and provide a better habitat for birds and aquatic life.
Panvel Municipal Corporation released 50,000 Cyrtobagous salviniae weevils into Wadale Lake in the second phase of its biological-control programme.
The first phase released 20,000 weevils on May 7, 2026, and officials said the insects multiplied naturally in the lake.
The weevils target Salvinia molesta, potentially reducing reliance on chemical treatments and repeated mechanical removal.
Officials expect visible weed deterioration by February 7, 2027, with substantial elimination projected by November 7, 2027.
The programme, developed with the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, aims to improve water circulation and support the lake’s aquatic ecosystem.
- Who
- The Panvel Municipal Corporation, working with the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, released the weevils.
- What
- A second batch of 50,000 Cyrtobagous salviniae weevils was released to control Salvinia molesta.
- Where
- Wadale Lake in Panvel.
- When
- The second phase was reported on September 15, 2026; the first phase took place on May 7, 2026.
- Why
- To control the invasive weed, improve water circulation, reduce reliance on chemical treatment, and help restore the lake ecosystem.
Key facts
- Second-phase release
- 50,000 Cyrtobagous salviniae weevils
- First-phase release
- 20,000 weevils on May 7, 2026
- Target weed
- Salvinia molesta, also known as giant salvinia or water fern
- First expected visible deterioration
- February 7, 2027
- Projected completion
- November 7, 2027
- Research partner
- ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur
- Earlier identification
- Environmentalists identified the weed at Wadale Lake in June 2025 after it had remained unidentified for nearly two years
Quotes
Dr Vaibhav Vidhate
Deputy municipal commissioner of Panvel Municipal Corporation
“The reduction in the spread of salvinia is expected to improve water circulation in the lake and help restore the natural balance of its aquatic ecosystem. It is also expected to create a more favourable habitat for migratory birds and other aquatic organisms.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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