Many people living near Katraj Lake have noticed a lot more mosquitoes in the last three months. Health workers say there are 175% more complaints about mosquitoes than last year. Scientists found that a plant called water hyacinth has grown so much that it now covers 47% of the lake. This makes a good place for mosquitoes to breed.
The water hyacinth creates thick mats on the water, which stops sunlight from getting through and lowers the oxygen in the water. Because of this, there are 63% fewer fish that usually eat mosquito eggs. The water quality isn't good either, with oxygen levels at only 2.3 mg/L, much lower than the safe level of 5 mg/L.
Local leaders have started a plan to fix this problem. They're spending Rs. 2.7 crore to remove the water hyacinth and control the mosquito problem. They'll use special machines that can take out 12 tonnes of hyacinth each day and will also put 8,000 fish that eat mosquitoes back into the lake.
Health officials have sent out messages to the 12,000 people living within 2 kilometers, giving them tips to stay safe. They're fumigating the area every two weeks and giving out 5,000 mosquito nets to families who need them.
Officials believe that if they keep working on this, there will be 60% fewer mosquitoes in the next three months, but it might take 18 to 24 months to fully fix the lake.
