Only united action can stop the hyacinth’s invasion

Water Hyacinth: A Looming Threat to India’s Inland Waters

1. Topic and Context

• Topic: Invasive species – water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) affecting inland waters in India.
• Context: Introduced during colonial times as an ornamental plant, it has now become ecologically and economically harmful. Kerala’s Kuttanad region is especially affected.
• Relevance to UPSC:
  • Environment & Ecology: Invasive species, wetland ecosystems, biodiversity.
  • Agriculture & Fisheries: Impact on paddy cultivation and inland fisheries.
  • Climate Change: Methane emissions from decomposition contribute to global warming.
  • Policy & Governance: Need for coordinated national policy, inter-departmental cooperation, and private sector participation.

2. Key Facts & Figures

• 2,00,000+ hectares of inland water affected across India.
• Kuttanad region, Kerala: Major disruptions to irrigation and fisheries.
• Methane emission: Water hyacinth releases methane 25x more potent than CO₂.
• Local solutions:
  • Odisha: Handicrafts, baskets, furniture.
  • Assam & West Bengal: Paper and biogas production.

3. Problems Highlighted

1. Ecological Impact:
   • Blocks sunlight & oxygen → suffocates aquatic flora & fauna.
   • Threatens Ramsar sites and ecotourism.
2. Economic Impact:
   • Disrupts paddy cultivation & inland fisheries → affects livelihoods.
3. Governance Gap:
   • Multiple departments involved → fragmented approach.
   • No unified national policy or region-specific strategies.

4. Proposed Solutions

• Policy Measures: National policy with region-specific strategies and single-point accountability.
• Scientific Intervention: Mechanized and technologically suitable removal.
• Community & Entrepreneurship: Promote handicrafts, biofuels, compost, and private sector involvement.
• Research & Awareness: Collaboration between academia, policymakers, and local communities.

5. Broader Implications

• Rural Livelihoods & Food Security: Impact on paddy farmers and fishermen.
• Climate Change: Methane emissions worsen greenhouse effect.
• Green Economy: Opportunity to convert invasive biomass into economic resources.
• Governance & Policy: Demonstrates need for coordinated environmental policy and inter-departmental cooperation.
  
  
  Updated - August 15, 2025 01:13 am IST | The Hindu