WATER HYACINTH

09.10.2025

WATER HYACINTH

Introduction

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), known as Jalkumbhi, is an invasive aquatic plant native to South America, introduced in colonial India. It now covers over 2 lakh hectares, disrupting ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods, notably in Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam.

Characteristics and Origin

• Common Name: Water Hyacinth or Jalkumbhi
• Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes
• Physical Description: Floating plant with thick, glossy leaves and attractive purple flowers, forming thick mats on water surfaces.
• Native Origin: Amazon basin, South America.
• Introduction to India: Brought by British colonizers for decorative purposes.
• Spread: Over 2 lakh hectares affected nationally, heavily infesting Kerala’s Vembanad Lake, West Bengal rivers, Assam wetlands, and globally in places like Lake Naivasha, Kenya.

Impacts of Water Hyacinth Spread

1. Environmental Damage:
   • Dense mats block sunlight reaching underwater plants, disabling photosynthesis.
   • Oxygen depletion suffocates aquatic animals, causing biodiversity loss and degraded water quality.
2. Contribution to Climate Change:
   • Decomposing hyacinth emits methane and carbon dioxide, potent greenhouse gases.
   • Increases biological oxygen demand (BOD), harming water ecosystems further.
3. Agricultural Challenges:
   • Blocks irrigation channels, reducing water availability for crops, especially paddy in Kerala and Assam.
   • Farmers face high costs and labor in controlling the weed.
4. Impact on Fishing Communities:
   • Obstructs boats and damages nets, reducing fish catch and harming fishermen’s incomes.
5. Effect on Tourism and Navigation:
   • Degrades aesthetic appeal, deterring tourists.
   • Blocks waterways used for transport and recreation, hurting local economies.

Recommendations

1. Current Uses:
   • Odisha SHGs produce handicrafts, mats, and furniture.
   • Assam and West Bengal use it for biogas, compost, and paper.
2. National Policy Needs:
   • Create a dedicated authority for weed management and monitoring.
   • Centralize data on infestation, removal methods, and rehabilitation.
   • Fund long-term sustainable control rather than episodic clearing.
3. Scientific Solutions:
   • Biological control using insects like Neochetina eichhorniae.
   • Mechanical harvesting for large-scale removal.
   • Research on converting biomass into biofuel, compost, or biochar.
4. Economic Opportunities:
   • Promote eco-entrepreneurship via startups and SHGs.
   • Train rural youth, women in value-added water hyacinth products.
   • Link efforts with livelihood missions like NRLM.

The Way Forward

• Prevention through early detection and rapid response is critical.
• Integrate mechanical, biological, and utilization methods for effective control.
• Engage local communities and educational institutions for awareness and participation.
• Collaborate with research bodies and international partners for technological innovation.
• Align weed management with wetland conservation, fisheries, and climate adaptation policies.

Conclusion

Water Hyacinth exemplifies how a seemingly benign plant can cause extensive environmental harm if uncontrolled. However, with a unified national policy, scientific management, and community-driven economic use, India can convert this invasive threat into a sustainable resource, fostering ecological balance and rural employment while supporting circular economy models.