Nagpur News
Ambazari Lake Continues to Battle the Spread of Eichhornia Weed
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) continues to grapple with the persistent issue of Eichhornia weed in Ambazari Lake, despite significant removal efforts. Since last year, thousands of metric tonnes of this invasive plant have been extracted, yet it continues to proliferate, polluting the lake and threatening aquatic ecosystems.The NMC initiated weed removal during the last monsoon season, employing excavators, boats, and manual labor. From June 16 to September 6 this year, the civic body successfully removed 9,348 metric tonnes of Eichhornia, which was then disposed of at Bhandewadi.
However, the weed’s rapid regrowth creates dense mats that obstruct waterways and disrupt the lake’s natural balance.To combat this issue, NMC utilizes a specialized boat named Jaldost, provided by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. Unfortunately, no permanent solution has been identified, leading to a costly and ineffective cycle of removal and regrowth.Experts attribute the weed’s rapid spread to the discharge of sewage into the lake. Dr. Shweta Banerjee, Superintending Engineer of the Environment Department at NMC, acknowledges this but suggests other contributing factors may also be at play.
“We are actively seeking solutions, but for now, our focus remains on daily weed removal,” she stated.Eichhornia’s ability to reproduce through wind-pollination exacerbates the problem, as winds can carry pollen across the lake, facilitating regrowth even after removal. Local fishermen, like Rajesh Pashine, have reported declining fish populations, linking this to the weed’s interference with fishing activities and water quality.
The removed weed is often dumped near the lake’s banks, creating unpleasant odors and risking further spread through wind. Without scientific studies or expert committees to devise effective strategies, the NMC struggles to control the ongoing Eichhornia invasion, leaving Ambazari Lake, a cherished landmark of Nagpur, in jeopardy.
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