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The city of Bangalore is currently facing a challenging situation as there has been a significant and worrying increase in the number of mosquitoes in recent weeks. Rising mosquito populations have left residents and resident welfare associations struggling to cope.
The Times of India has reported that entomologists from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) and other institutes have linked the recent increase in mosquito population to fluctuating weather patterns in and around the urban area.
Dr. NR Prasanna Kumar, IIHR entomologist, has pointed out that the constant rains, fluctuating temperatures and high levels of humidity have made the city and its surroundings an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to breed.
He further added that the construction of various projects involving the filling of lakes, both within and around the urban area, has created a suitable environment for different species of mosquitoes to spread.
IIHR Dr. Prasanna Kumar explains that the city has seen rains through December in recent years, instead of ending in November as it normally would.
This has resulted in overflowing lakes, with subsequent spikes in temperature and humidity, which have favoured the reproduction of mosquitoes. Breeding duration has been reduced to 8-10 days from the usual 10-14 days due to fluctuating temperatures between 32-35 degrees Celsius.
Bengaluru mosquitoes thrive amid climate change
Dr. Balasundar, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) health director said that, the main reason for the high mosquito population in Bengaluru is due to the favourable breeding conditions that result from the erratic weather.
"Although an estimate of mosquito density has not yet been calculated, BBMP district officials are currently assessing the situation. The filling of water bodies to the brim may have contributed to their growing population" he added.
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