Mosquito Tornado in Keshavnagar, Kharadi Triggers Health Emergency Response from PMC
File Photo for Representation
Kharadi, Pune — April 20, 2025: In a bizarre and alarming development, residents of Keshavnagar and Kharadi witnessed what appeared to be a “mosquito tornado” swirling in their neighborhoods, prompting a rapid health response from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
According to PMC officials, the sudden and overwhelming spike in mosquito presence across Kharadi, Keshavnagar, Wagholi, and Mundhwa is primarily due to the unchecked growth of water hyacinth in the Mula-Mutha river. This aquatic plant, with roots that trap stagnant water and sewage, has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes — setting off a potential health crisis.
During vector control activities in the area on Wednesday, two small mosquito tornadoes were actually sighted, confirming the scale of the problem. In response, the civic body has launched a week-long vector containment and mosquito abatement campaign.
“Insecticide spraying is being carried out during the day, while fogging is conducted in the evenings in the most affected areas,” said Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer and head of PMC’s vector-borne disease control programme.
Dr. Dighe, who visited the area, confirmed, “We witnessed a swirling mosquito cloud like a minor ‘tornado’ during the inspection near the Mundhwa jackwell, where thick water hyacinth was observed. Removal work began on Wednesday.”
Residents say the mosquito menace becomes unbearable during the evenings. A local resident, stressed, “This is a health emergency, especially with the rising summer temperatures that accelerate mosquito breeding. We want the PMC to eliminate all breeding spots and remove the water hyacinth completely.”
Local leaders have raised the issue with PMC and demanded immediate and effective action.
As the mosquito tornadoes make headlines and raise concern among citizens, PMC officials assure that efforts are ongoing to clear water hyacinth from major water bodies and prevent a repeat of last year’s crisis.
