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Severe mosquito menace on the banks of Phalguni river
Udayavani | May 11, 2026 8:41 PM CST

Mangaluru: Residents living along the banks of the Phalguni river in the city are reeling under a new crisis. Mosquitoes that bite regardless of day or night have made life miserable, especially for the ailing and small children at home. Locals have urged authorities to identify the breeding source and take immediate action to eradicate them.

Affected Areas

The situation is dire in areas including Ashoknagar, Shediguri, Bokkapatna to Kudroli, Sultan Battery, Gandhinagar, Urwa, and Mathadakani. Even morning walkers at Mannagudda Gandhi Park, Mangala Stadium, and Urwa Market Ground are facing severe harassment from mosquitoes, forcing many to use mosquito repellent creams before heading out.

District Administration must intervene

Locals have demanded that the district administration step in before public health worsens. With Malaria and Dengue already prevalent in the city, there are fears that this infestation could trigger new diseases. They have urged health department and City Corporation officials to visit the spots and inspect the situation.

Is river water the source?

Construction of a bund using soil for bridge work at Bolur has obstructed the natural flow of the river. Water is only trickling out through small pipes, causing it to stagnate. Furthermore, sewage water is reportedly entering the river, turning it black. Residents suspect this stagnant, polluted water might be the primary breeding ground and want experts to verify it.

Impact on Business

The mosquito menace has hit local businesses hard. Hotels and canteens are seeing a decline in customers during the evenings. Mosquitoes are swarming in darker spots, making it impossible for people to sit comfortably. Residents noted that the current school and Anganwadi holidays have provided some temporary relief for children.

Expert and Resident Opinions

  • "Usually, mosquitoes increase at the onset of monsoon, but this time it has started in the peak of summer. The bites cause a severe burning sensation. Authorities must identify the species and protect public health." — Harish Poojary, Resident

  • "We can't even keep our doors open during the day. Despite keeping our surroundings clean, we don't know where they are coming from. It's exhausting." — Kalavati, Local

  • "Between the summer heat and these mosquitoes, we are frustrated. Spraying hasn't helped much. We need a permanent solution." — Sandhya, Local

  • "I will direct the health wing of the corporation to carry out fogging and spraying in the Phalguni river bank areas. We will also take steps to identify the exact cause of this breeding." — Dr. Sujay Bhandari, Mangaluru Taluk Health Officer

— Bharath Shettigar

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