The picturesque neighborhoods of Kharadi, Keshavnagar, and Mundhwa in Pune, touted as dream homes for many, are facing an unexpected adversary – a relentless onslaught of mosquitoes. The constant buzz of these tiny intruders has disrupted the serene views from high-rise balconies, confining residents within their homes and prompting urgent calls for action.
The mosquito menace is attributed to an increased water table in the Mula-Mutha River, creating an ideal breeding ground for swarms of mosquitoes. The proliferation of water hyacinth along the riverbanks, from Mundhwa Bridge to Kharadi Village, has exacerbated the problem. While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the removal of water hyacinth, delayed actions have left residents grappling with a mosquito infestation.
The dire situation particularly impacts establishments along the riverbed, including skyscrapers, IT park premises, schools, sports stadiums, old age homes, crematoriums, and local villages. Luxurious flat investments have turned bitter, with residents unable to enjoy balconies and society gardens becoming off-limits for children.
The root cause traces back to ongoing projects in the Mula-Mutha riverbed, where a small dam and a water treatment plant are located. These projects, slowing water flow, have led to water accumulation, providing an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed.
Despite relentless efforts by citizens, led by former MLA Bapu Pathare, bureaucratic red tape and delays in tender processes have hindered prompt resolutions. Videos showcasing the magnitude of the mosquito invasion circulated online, fueling widespread frustration.
Residents like Mehzabin Saiyed and Kiran Palse voiced concerns about the PMC’s failure to plan the removal of water hyacinth, while citizens from societies like Florida River Bank and Florida WaterColor emphasized the severity of the issue. Despite regular chemical spray and fogging, the mosquito menace persisted, affecting health and outdoor activities.
Responding to the escalating issue, the PMC initiated mosquito control measures in Kharadi. Milind Ghate from the Department of Pest Control stressed the importance of timely and frequent removal of water hyacinths to prevent such problems.
As residents endure sleepless nights and restricted living spaces, the PMC faces mounting pressure to address the root cause and implement effective solutions to curb the mosquito menace.
