Itá Lagoon, one of the few spaces in Greater Asunción where it is possible to interact with local wildlife, needs urgent attention to maintain its water volume and prevent overpopulation of alligators, its main attraction. Located about 40 kilometers from the capital, in the center of Itá city, the reservoir attracts weekly visitors who come to observe the reptiles.
Members of the group Salvemos la Laguna de Itá, led by lawyer and environmentalist Óscar Pintos, warn that interventions based on already completed technical diagnoses are necessary. The MADES environment ministry collected water and soil samples and concluded that the lagoon needs to be dredged to prevent it from drying out over time. However, the task is complex because the clay layer at the bottom, which prevents water infiltration, cannot be removed.
Mario Alonso, from the city's Directorate of Social Development and Environmental Management, confirms that the request for dredging was made a long time ago, but there has been no response yet. The Itá Municipality is responsible for perimeter cleaning and site maintenance, but for a deeper intervention, support from MADES, the central government, and the Central Department Governor's Office would be needed.
Alonso recalls that the 2014 drought caused great concern, and since then, management efforts have been made, but no major works have been completed. Currently, when the water level decreases, the lagoon is replenished by pumping water from an artesian well. During periods of heavy rain, the lagoon overflows and some alligators escape, causing fear in the neighborhood.
Pintos points out that urbanization has worsened the situation, as the replacement of dirt paths with sidewalks and asphalt reduced the soil's absorption capacity, directing more rainwater to the lagoon. Regarding the health of the animals, Alonso explains that the alligators do not receive regular medical care and are supervised by the park's cleaning team.
Alberto Cardozo, who has worked at the site for more than 20 years, estimates that there are between 70 and 80 alligators in the lagoon. They feed on fish that reproduce in the water, such as tilapia, tare'ýi, piranhas, and turtles. The site also attracts waterfowl, such as ducks and herons.
One of the main problems is the trash left by visitors. Alonso calls for awareness, as there are reports of alligators that died choking on diapers and food packaging. In January of this year, an episode of fish die-off occurred, possibly due to water contamination.
Alligator overpopulation is another concern, as the animals reproduce quickly in captivity and begin to attack each other, resulting in injuries such as mutilated tails. Pintos hopes that the new municipal administration, after this year's elections, will prioritize the development of a serious plan for the lagoon, with possible funding from binational entities and support from specialized organizations.