India, May 7 -- As thick layers of water hyacinth continue to blanket several rivers and lakes in the city; the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department has raised alarms over the slow pace of their removal. Authorities warn that the unchecked spread of the aquatic weed is worsening mosquito breeding in many areas.

According to officials, 43 water bodies infested with water hyacinth were identified in March. However, over the past two months, the environmental department has managed to clear only five of them. The remaining sites continue to serve as active mosquito breeding grounds, prompting a surge in complaints from residents, especially those living near riverbanks.

In response, the health department on Tuesday (May 6) wr...