Navi Mumbai: Panvel’s Wadale Lake lies blanketed in water hyacinth and other aquatic plants, with dense vegetation obscuring most of its surface and leaving little open water visible amid the extensive spread of weeds, despite the civic body spending crores on beautification.* *To find a permanent, scientific and environmentally friendly solution to the problem of Salvinia molesta (water flea) in the historic lake, a biological control campaign is being implemented under the joint initiative of Panvel Municipal Corporation and ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, as per the suggestion of Mayor Nitin Patil and Commissioner Mangesh Chitale.The second phase of this campaign recently began, under which 50,000 more ‘Cyrtobagous salviniae’, a specific biological control insect, have been released into the lake. In the first phase, 20,000 insects were released into the lake in May. Their natural reproduction has been effective because of favourable conditions, with their population showing a significant increase, said a civic official.The insects feed mainly on Salvinia, reducing the likelihood of adverse effects on other plants and components of the lake’s aquatic ecosystem.Officials expect the additional release to accelerate weed control. Deputy Commissioner Dr Vaibhav Vidhate said reducing the aquatic weed would improve water circulation and help restore the ecosystem’s natural balance.It is also expected to provide a more favourable habitat for migratory birds and other aquatic life while enhancing the lake’s natural beauty.Salvinia molesta is a free-floating aquatic plant native to South America, particularly Brazil. The biological-control approach is intended to reduce reliance on chemical solutions while supporting biodiversity and preserving the lake’s ecological balance. Under the projected eradication timeline, Salvinia leaves are expected to turn yellow and dark chocolate by Feb next year. The weeds are expected to be destroyed over the following nine months, with Nov, 2027 listed as the expected completion date.
