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.