The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Invader menace

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Friday, Jul 04, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Invader menace

Staff Reporter

Caterpillars emerging from the thick layers of water hyacinth in the Perandoor canal are making life hell for residents of
Udaya Nagar

Photo: Vipin Chandran

TOTAL DESTRUCTION: Harmful caterpillars that have been found in large numbers in Udaya Colony at Kadavanthra.

KOCHI: The residents of Udaya Nagar colony at Kadavanthra are fighting a different menace this monsoon season. Harmful caterpillars causing skin allergies and itching have invaded this colony on the banks of the Perandoor canal.

These voracious eaters are feeding on all the green vegetation in the area and causing allergy to those coming into contact with them. Some of the children who accidentally touched the caterpillars have developed allergy on their hands.

The residents of the area are protecting their houses from the creeping menace by spraying kerosene on the floor, doors and windows.

“We have to sweep the house at regular intervals for preventing them from getting into the bed and clothes,” said Gowri, a resident of the area.

Many residents of the area developed allergies after using the clothes in which the caterpillars have crept into, said Murugan, a resident.

The caterpillars that feeds on the plants and shrubs in the area vanishes when there is sunshine, said Chakkamma Mani.

The caterpillars emerge from the thick layers of water hyacinth that have covered the surface of the canal, according to the residents.

The civic authorities left the de-clogging of the canal halfway after the residents of the area protested against the excavators entering the small road that runs through the colony. The buildings in the area developed cracks as the excavators rolled on. Hence the opposition, said Mr. Murugan.

The caterpillars hatch from the eggs laid by some butterflies in the area. These are voracious eaters, said U.K. Gopalan, an environmentalist. Those caterpillars which are harmful to human beings can be controlled by spraying petroleum vapour or insecticides, he said.

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