2 weeks ago

Mosquito Complaints Grow as Saroornagar Hyacinth Awaits Removal

Mosquito Complaints Grow as Saroornagar Hyacinth Awaits Removal
Mosquito Menace Rises As Hyacinth Heaps Await Disposal At Saroornagar Lake · deccanchronicle.com

Water hyacinth was removed from part of Saroornagar Lake, but piles of the weed are still waiting to be taken away.

People living and working nearby say the piles have led to more mosquitoes, especially in the evening.

Some residents say there is also a bad smell.

They are worried that mosquitoes could spread diseases such as malaria and chikungunya.

A local official says the cleanup is moving forward and about half of the affected area has been cleared.

He says transport to the dumpyard slowed because of logistical problems.

Workers are also using sprays, drones and fogging to control mosquitoes.

Officials say sewage entering the lake is causing the weed to grow again.

A new sewage pipeline and an upgraded treatment plant are intended to provide a longer-term solution.

Key facts

Reported mosquito range
Residents said the mosquito menace was noticeable within about 1 kilometre of the lake.
Hyacinth clearance
Vikas Mahato said nearly half of the weed-infested area had been cleared.
Removal delay
Transport of removed hyacinth was slowed by logistical issues at Jawaharnagar dumpyard.
Mosquito control
Anti-larval operations, manual sprayers, drones and fogging were being used.
Sewage diversion cost
A ₹5.90-crore sewage diversion pipeline has been sanctioned.
Treatment plant upgrade
The sewage treatment plant at Priyadarshini Park is being upgraded to 10 million litres a day.
Reported smell
Residents complained of foul smell, while the zonal commissioner said no significant foul-smell issue had been reported.

Quotes

GVH Pratyush

resident of Saroornagar Lake area

“You visit the site around 7 pm and sit anywhere within a 1-km radius, and you can feel the mosquito menace. It is the corporation’s responsibility to lift the cleared hyacinth immediately after removing it from the lake”
deccanchronicle.com

Sources

Related news