Buzzing, Biting, Breeding...! Mosquito bites rob Nalla Cheruvu residents of good night sleep… !

Hyderabad: Growing mosquito menace near Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal has left residents worried, with locals alleging that thick water hyacinth and inadequate anti-larval measures have turned the lake surroundings into a major breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Residents living around Nalla Cheruvu said the mosquito infestation has worsened in recent weeks, making it difficult for families to step outdoors, particularly during the evening hours. They have urged the Municipal Corporation to immediately intensify fogging, anti-larval operations, and lake-cleaning works.

A resident of Uppal, near Nalla Cheruvu, expressed his frustration over the situation, alleging that there was little visible action on the ground. Thick layers of water hyacinth and other weeds choking water surfaces are believed to be worsening the problem and creating conditions for mosquito breeding. “Delays in routine lake-cleaning contracts have also reportedly affected the regular clearing of weeds and other vegetation,” said K Venkatram Reddy, a resident.

“Officials filled Nalla Cheruvu back up, and the mosquitoes apparently showed up for the after-party! Just look at my balcony — there are tens, if not hundreds, of mosquitoes. Is this what the residents are expected to live with?” asked Shazia Yousuf, a resident of Uppal, in a video shared on Instagram tagging GHMC officials.

The video quickly drew reactions on social media, with several Hyderabadis expressing shock at the sheer number of mosquitoes seen. While some users created memes over the unusual sight, others urged civic authorities to take immediate steps to clean and maintain the city’s lakes and water bodies to prevent mosquito breeding.

The mosquito menace, however, is not confined to Nalla Cheruvu alone. Residents from areas surrounding the lakes and water bodies including Musi River have also raised similar concerns over the increasing mosquito population.

The situation is particularly concerning in the Neknampur Lake area in Manikonda, where residents said the mosquito population had continued to increase despite reported anti-larval measures. Swarms of mosquitoes have made it difficult for residents to venture outside after 6 pm, they said.

“Hyderabad has become like a mosquito breeding ground. There is no regular fogging and no proper anti-larval operations. If GHMC claims to be addressing the issue, it is not being done properly. Strict measures are needed to combat diseases such as malaria, dengue and typhoid,” said Mohammed Ahmed, an activist.

Residents urged the civic authorities to intensify fogging, anti-larval operations, removal of water hyacinth, and cleaning of lakes.