Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Mosquito Complaints Grow as Saroornagar Hyacinth Awaits Removal
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.
Cleared water hyacinth has reportedly remained around Saroornagar Lake for more than 10 days.
Residents, hawkers and an autorickshaw driver say mosquitoes increase around the lake by evening.
Residents also reported foul smells and concerns about mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and chikungunya.
LB Nagar zonal commissioner Vikas Mahato said logistical problems at Jawaharnagar dumpyard slowed hyacinth removal.
A ₹5.90-crore sewage diversion pipeline and an upgraded treatment plant are planned to address recurring hyacinth growth.
- Who
- Residents, hawkers and an autorickshaw driver near Saroornagar Lake, along with LB Nagar zonal commissioner Vikas Mahato.
- What
- Cleared water hyacinth is awaiting removal, while nearby people report increased mosquitoes and foul smells.
- When
- The hyacinth heaps had reportedly remained at the site for more than 10 days; the official said the transport issue was expected to be resolved within a few days.
- Where
- Around Saroornagar Lake, including areas within roughly a 1-kilometre radius; the removed weed is intended for transport to Jawaharnagar dumpyard.
- Why
- Sewage inflow is identified as the main cause of recurring water-hyacinth growth, while delayed transport has left cleared vegetation at the site.
Residents and Local Workers
Civic Officials
Mosquito and smell complaints
Residents and Local Workers
Residents, hawkers and an autorickshaw driver said mosquitoes had increased, particularly by evening, and residents also complained about foul smells and possible health risks.
Civic Officials
Vikas Mahato said no significant foul-smell issue had been reported and said anti-larval measures and fogging were being carried out.
Speed of hyacinth disposal
Residents and Local Workers
Residents said the cleared hyacinth had remained at the site for more than 10 days and should be removed immediately.
Civic Officials
Mahato said the heaps were being cleared immediately after removal, but logistical issues at Jawaharnagar dumpyard had slowed carting them away; he added that the weed must dry before transport.
Long-term solution
Residents and Local Workers
Residents are concerned about continuing mosquito problems and recurring conditions around the lake.
Civic Officials
Officials said a ₹5.90-crore sewage diversion pipeline, an upgraded treatment plant and regular maintenance should prevent sewage inflow and reduce recurring hyacinth growth.
- 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.