Insects create havoc near Kakatiya canal in Karimnagar

Authorities have identified the insects as Caddisflies that appear to grow in numbers everyday along the Kakatiya canal

Karimnagar: Motorists travelling along the Kakatiya canal on the downstream of Lower Manair Dam are facing many problems for the last three days as they are forced to drive through a swarm of insects leading to many accidents. The swarm of insects descend on the road every evening and motorists, especially those riding motorcycles are facing the brunt, as many as skidding and falling down.

Authorities have identified the insects as Caddisflies that appear to grow in numbers everyday along the Kakatiya canal and the swarm moves onto the road that crosses the canal causing obstructions to the vehicular movement on Rajiv Rahadari during evening and night times. Though the swarms of insects being seen is a common thing, the intensity of the insects flying in swarms had increased in the last three days, local people say.

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While many motorcyclists sustained injuries after falling while driving through the swarms, there were one or two instances when motorcyclists plunged into the canal and were saved by local people.

Local people say the insects appear to be growing in numbers with the increase in the water flow in the canal. When 4,000 cusecs of water was released into the canal, the number of caddisflies was less. However, the strength was enhanced when water quantity was enhanced to 6,000 cusecs.

District Agriculture Officer, V Sreedhar on Sunday visited the spot and collected caddisflies for medical examination.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the insects collected would be sent to lab for examination.

Caddisflies usually appear near water bodies such as tanks and canals. They would also appear in the areas where ecological imbalance was developed. Caddisflies are attracted to light sources.

Since the situation was very grim, authorities were mulling over several options, while ruling out the chemical control methods since the water in the canal was also being used for drinking purposes too.

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