A thick blanket of water hyacinth engulfed River Bhavani in Erode district in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN M.
Large stretches of the Bhavani River near Kooduthurai at Bhavani have been engulfed by water hyacinth, prompting farmers and residents to urge the State government to remove the invasive aquatic weed before it affects irrigation and the river’s ecosystem.A dense mat of water hyacinth has spread across the river near the Bhavani-Kooduthurai stretch, impeding the flow of water. Farmers said the unchecked growth of the weed could lower dissolved oxygen levels, affect fish populations and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They alleged that the infestation had intensified in recent weeks owing to the slow flow of water and the discharge of sewage into the river.“The river should flow freely. Water hyacinth is spreading rapidly and, if it is not removed immediately, it will affect irrigation and the overall health of the river,” said a farmer from Bhavani. Another farmer said the authorities should act before the problem worsened. “Periodic removal of the weed and effective measures to prevent its recurrence are essential. Otherwise, the river ecosystem will continue to deteriorate,” he said.Farmers urged the Water Resources Department, in coordination with local bodies, to undertake a comprehensive weed-removal drive and identify the sources of pollution that contribute to the rapid spread of water hyacinth. They also sought a long-term river management plan to prevent the recurrence of the invasive weed and protect River Bhavani, an important source of irrigation for farmers in the region. Published - July 28, 2026 05:50 pm IST
