Water hyacinth removed from Ukkadam Periyakulam is seen piled along the bund near the walking track in Coimbatore city on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
Walkers and nearby residents have urged the Coimbatore Corporation to remove the piles of water hyacinth left along the bund of Ukkadam Periyakulam, saying the decomposing vegetation has been emitting a foul smell.The weed, removed during lake maintenance works, has been stacked at several locations near the walking track. Visitors said the odour has affected those using the lake for walking and recreation.R. Ganesan, a regular walker, said the removal of water hyacinth from the lake was necessary, but it should have been transported out of the area immediately. “The smell from the decomposing weed makes it uncomfortable for walkers. It should not be left on the bund for days,” he said.S. Revathi, another walker, said the civic body should complete the exercise by clearing the removed vegetation. “The lake is used by hundreds of people every day. Timely disposal of the weed is equally important,” she said.R. Manikandan of Kovai Kulangal Pathukappu Amaippu said the removed water hyacinth could be put to use instead of being taken to a landfill.“Several non-governmental organisations require water hyacinth for preparing organic manure. We shred the weed and use it as compost. The corporation can make it available to such organisations instead of transporting it for disposal,” he said.Coimbatore Corporation officials said they would look into the issue and ensure that the heaps of water hyacinth were cleared from the bund. Published - July 04, 2026 07:56 pm IST
