The rapid growth of water hyacinth in the Mula-Mutha riverbed near Kalyaninagar, Wadgaonsheri, and Ramwadi has raised alarm among residents, who are worried about worsening hygiene and increasing health risks in the area.
The situation is especially bad close to the Bhaktisagar crematorium, where thick mats of the invasive plant have formed, leading to unsanitary conditions. People attending last rites have found it hard to reach certain parts of the riverbank, and the unpleasant smell from stagnant water has added to their discomfort.
Residents of Wadgaonsheri gaothan have also noted a rise in mosquito breeding due to the still water trapped in the thick vegetation. They are concerned that if the issue is not resolved quickly, it could result in the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes.
Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, Pramod Devkar-Patil, president of Shri Tukai Mata Seva Trust, has lodged a formal complaint with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), requesting the immediate removal of the water hyacinth. This complaint was submitted to officials at Ward Office No. 1 earlier this week.
Local residents have called on the civic authorities to act quickly and consistently, not just to clear the affected areas but also to prevent future occurrences. They highlighted that prompt action is crucial to restore cleanliness and safeguard public health in the densely populated neighborhoods along the river.
Despite previous complaints, residents claim the problem persists, highlighting the necessity for a long-term strategy to control invasive plant growth in the city's river systems.