Embedded Files
perhaps the leaves should be reused, if not, the entirety.
perhaps the leaves should be reused, if not, the entirety.
Photo: Nallagandla Lake, Anshul Gupta
[1] Rajendra Basaula a b. “Effects of Invasive Water Hyacinth on Fish Diversity and Abundance in the Lake Cluster of Pokhara Valley, Nepal.” Global Ecology and Conservation, Elsevier, 29 June 2023, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423002007#:~:text=The%20study%20found%20that%20water,of%20the%20fishery%2Ddependent%20community.
[2] Harun I, Pushiri H, Amirul-Aiman AJ, Zulkeflee Z. Invasive Water Hyacinth: Ecology, Impacts and Prospects for the Rural Economy. Plants (Basel). 2021 Aug 6;10(8):1613. doi: 10.3390/plants10081613. PMID: 34451658; PMCID: PMC8401593.
[3] “Partnering to Protect Habitat from Invasive Plants.” Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 6 Mar. 2020, corkscrew.audubon.org/news/partnering-protect-habitat-invasive-plants#:~:text=Water%20hyacinth%20grows%20in%20dense,for%20navigation%20and%20recreational%20fishing.
preface
preface
Water hyacinths (Pontederia crassipes) are invasive in over 50 countries, including India. I’ve seen them in 5-6 different lakes at different times, almost entirely covering the lakes sometimes.
Apart from looking like a green mess, they pose some serious problems to the lake ecosystem. Not being part of the natural ecosystem, they disrupt the cycle of life by negatively impacting native fish population [1], for example, and also prevent light from reaching the bottom of the lake, preventing underwater plants from growing effectively [2].
As it is known, water hyacinth propagates both vegetatively and through seeds. It generates an abundance of seed banks as it produces flower blooms daily during the flowering season. The seeds remain viable for up to 30 years, which facilitates regeneration and makes it difficult to control.
It also hinders water transport and fishermen from accessing parts of the lake (as seen by me at Nallagandla Lake, Hyderabad).
The issue that I have seen myself would be the effect on birds [3], like the loss of native habitat for the Bronze-winged Jacana. I end up seeing them more often in water hyacinths than native grasslands!
प्रस्तावना
प्रस्तावना
जलकुंभी (पोंटेडेरिया क्रैसिप्स) भारत सहित ५० से अधिक देशों में आक्रामक हैं। मैंने उन्हें अलग-अलग समय पर ५-६ अलग-अलग झीलों में देखा है, कभी-कभी वे लगभग पूरी तरह से झीलों को ढक लेते हैं।
हरे रंग की गंदगी की तरह दिखने के अलावा, वे झील के पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के लिए कुछ गंभीर समस्याएं पैदा करते हैं। प्राकृतिक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र का हिस्सा न होने के कारण, वे उदाहरण के लिए, देशी मछली की आबादी [१] पर नकारात्मक प्रभाव डालकर जीवन चक्र को बाधित करते हैं, और प्रकाश को झील के तल तक पहुंचने से भी रोकते हैं, जिससे पानी के नीचे के पौधों को प्रभावी ढंग से बढ़ने से रोका जाता है [२]।
जैसा कि ज्ञात है, जलकुंभी वानस्पतिक और बीज दोनों माध्यम से फैलती है। यह प्रचुर मात्रा में बीज भंडार उत्पन्न करता है क्योंकि यह फूलों के मौसम के दौरान प्रतिदिन फूल खिलता है। बीज ३० वर्षों तक व्यवहार्य रहते हैं, जिससे पुनर्जनन में आसानी होती है और इसे नियंत्रित करना मुश्किल हो जाता है।
यह जल परिवहन और मछुआरों को झील के कुछ हिस्सों तक पहुँचने में भी बाधा डालता है (जैसा कि मैंने नल्लागंडला झील, हैदराबाद में देखा)।
जो मुद्दा मैंने स्वयं देखा है वह पक्षियों पर प्रभाव होगा [३], जैसे कांस्य-पंख वाले जैकाना के मूल निवास स्थान का नुकसान। मैं उन्हें देशी घास के मैदानों की तुलना में जलकुंभी में अधिक बार देखता हूँ!
solutions to the problem (considered)
solutions to the problem (considered)
समस्या का समाधान (विकल्प)
समस्या का समाधान (विकल्प)
mechanical control
mechanical control
bulldozers.
the plants are just going to keep coming back; it's a short term solution and one that would potentially harm the native environment too.
water hyacinth removal machine.
quite costly to set up and difficult to repair.
chemical control
chemical control
chemicals.
lots of chemicals available worldwide that are used to tackle this problem. However, implementations have to be small scale in order to make sure the environment is not drastically affected.
यांत्रिक नियंत्रण
यांत्रिक नियंत्रण
बुलडोजर।
पौधे बार-बार वापस आते रहेंगे; यह एक अल्पकालिक समाधान है और इससे मूल पर्यावरण को भी नुकसान पहुंच सकता है।
जलकुंभी हटाने की मशीन।
इसे स्थापित करना काफी महंगा है और इसकी मरम्मत करना कठिन है।
रासायनिक नियंत्रण
रासायनिक नियंत्रण
रसायन।
दुनिया भर में बहुत सारे रसायन उपलब्ध हैं जिनका उपयोग इस समस्या से निपटने के लिए किया जाता है। हालाँकि, यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कि पर्यावरण पर बहुत अधिक प्रभाव न पड़े, कार्यान्वयन छोटे पैमाने पर होना चाहिए।
preventive measures
preventive measures
this one is simple: detect a new invasion early and remove as it as soon as possible, and don't introduce the plant to new places.
biological control
biological control
weevils.
Two species of weevils (Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi), which are native predators of the water hyacinth, damage the leaves and stems of the hyacinth, eventually clearing their presence almost completely.
निवारक उपाय
निवारक उपाय
यह सरल है → नए आक्रमण को शीघ्र पहचानें और उसे यथाशीघ्र हटा दें, तथा पौधे को नए स्थानों पर न ले जाएं।
जैविक नियंत्रण
जैविक नियंत्रण
घुन।
घुन की दो प्रजातियाँ (नियोचेतिना ईचोर्निया और नियोचेतिना ब्रुची), जो जलकुंभी की मूल शिकारी हैं, जलकुंभी की पत्तियों और तनों को नुकसान पहुँचाती हैं, अंततः उनकी उपस्थिति लगभग पूरी तरह से ख़त्म हो जाती है।
what are we choosing?
what are we choosing?
हम क्या चुन रहे हैं?
हम क्या चुन रहे हैं?
biological control. While mechanical and chemical methods provide short-term solutions, they require constant reapplication, can harm the ecosystem, and do not work long term[1]. Preventive measures would not work at this point, considering how the water hyacinth has already spread to a lot of lakes around the city. Biological pest control, I feel, provides a natural, long-lasting solution with minimal environmental impact.
[1] “Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes).” NSW WeedWise, weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/145#:~:text=By%20hand,be%20effective%20on%20large%20infestations. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
जैविक नियंत्रण। जबकि यांत्रिक और रासायनिक विधियाँ अल्पकालिक समाधान प्रदान करती हैं, उन्हें लगातार पुन: लागू करने की आवश्यकता होती है, पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को नुकसान पहुंचा सकती हैं, और दीर्घकालिक रूप से काम नहीं करती हैं [१]। इस बिंदु पर निवारक उपाय काम नहीं करेंगे, यह देखते हुए कि जलकुंभी पहले से ही शहर के आसपास की कई झीलों में फैल चुकी है। जैविक कीट नियंत्रण, मुझे लगता है, न्यूनतम पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव के साथ एक प्राकृतिक, दीर्घकालिक समाधान प्रदान करता है।
[१] “Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes).” NSW WeedWise, weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/145#:~:text=By%20hand,be%20effective%20on%20large%20infestations. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
how it works
how it works
कैसे चलता है
कैसे चलता है
fresh water hyacinth!
fresh water hyacinth!
the water hyacinth is lush and covers any water body it is in at a proliferating rate. the purple flowers might look nice (and they are, surely, as long as they stay in the Amazon Rainforest) but here, we don't like them.
ताजा जलकुंभी!
ताजा जलकुंभी!
जलकुंभी हरी-भरी होती है और जिस भी जलस्रोत में होती है, उसे तेजी से ढक लेती है। बैंगनी फूल अच्छे लग सकते हैं (और निश्चित रूप से, जब तक वे अमेज़ॅन वर्षावन में रहते हैं) लेकिन यहां, हम उन्हें पसंद नहीं करते हैं।
जलकुंभी हरी-भरी होती है और जिस भी जलस्रोत में होती है, उसे तेजी से ढक लेती है। बैंगनी फूल अच्छे लग सकते हैं (और निश्चित रूप से, जब तक वे अमेज़ॅन वर्षावन में रहते हैं) लेकिन यहां, हम उन्हें पसंद नहीं करते हैं।
weevils (lots of them)
weevils (lots of them)
To control the unchecked growth of water hyacinth, weevils are introduced as a natural biological control agent. Female weevils lay eggs inside the plant’s petioles (stems), initiating a life cycle that gradually weakens and destroys the plant. Both adult weevils and larvae contribute to the damage—adults feed on the leaves, while larvae tunnel through the plant, accelerating its decline.
To control the unchecked growth of water hyacinth, weevils are introduced as a natural biological control agent. Female weevils lay eggs inside the plant’s petioles (stems), initiating a life cycle that gradually weakens and destroys the plant. Both adult weevils and larvae contribute to the damage—adults feed on the leaves, while larvae tunnel through the plant, accelerating its decline.
घुन (बहुत सारे)
घुन (बहुत सारे)
जलकुंभी की अनियंत्रित वृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने के लिए, घुन को प्राकृतिक जैविक नियंत्रण एजेंट के रूप में पेश किया जाता है। मादा घुन पौधे के डंठलों (तने) के अंदर अंडे देती हैं, जिससे एक जीवन चक्र शुरू होता है जो धीरे-धीरे पौधे को कमजोर और नष्ट कर देता है। वयस्क घुन और लार्वा दोनों क्षति में योगदान करते हैं - वयस्क पत्तियों को खाते हैं, जबकि लार्वा पौधे के माध्यम से सुरंग बनाते हैं, जिससे इसकी गिरावट तेज हो जाती है।
जलकुंभी की अनियंत्रित वृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने के लिए, घुन को प्राकृतिक जैविक नियंत्रण एजेंट के रूप में पेश किया जाता है। मादा घुन पौधे के डंठलों (तने) के अंदर अंडे देती हैं, जिससे एक जीवन चक्र शुरू होता है जो धीरे-धीरे पौधे को कमजोर और नष्ट कर देता है। वयस्क घुन और लार्वा दोनों क्षति में योगदान करते हैं - वयस्क पत्तियों को खाते हैं, जबकि लार्वा पौधे के माध्यम से सुरंग बनाते हैं, जिससे इसकी गिरावट तेज हो जाती है।
begin the feast!
begin the feast!
As the weevil population increases, the plant begins to show signs of distress. The larvae feeding inside the petioles disrupt the plant’s structure, causing wilting and loss of buoyancy. Adult feeding leads to visible scarring, reduced photosynthesis, and gradual decay. Over time, the dense mats of water hyacinth begin to break apart, allowing native aquatic plants and species to recover.
As the weevil population increases, the plant begins to show signs of distress. The larvae feeding inside the petioles disrupt the plant’s structure, causing wilting and loss of buoyancy. Adult feeding leads to visible scarring, reduced photosynthesis, and gradual decay. Over time, the dense mats of water hyacinth begin to break apart, allowing native aquatic plants and species to recover.
दावत शुरू करो!
दावत शुरू करो!
जैसे-जैसे वीविल की आबादी बढ़ती है, पौधे में संकट के लक्षण दिखने लगते हैं। डंठलों के अंदर खाने वाले लार्वा पौधे की संरचना को बाधित करते हैं, जिससे पौधे मुरझा जाते हैं और उछाल कम हो जाता है। वयस्क के खाने से पौधे पर निशान दिखाई देने लगते हैं, प्रकाश संश्लेषण कम हो जाता है और धीरे-धीरे सड़न होने लगती है। समय के साथ, जलकुंभी की घनी परतें टूटने लगती हैं, जिससे देशी जलीय पौधे और प्रजातियाँ ठीक होने लगती हैं।
जैसे-जैसे वीविल की आबादी बढ़ती है, पौधे में संकट के लक्षण दिखने लगते हैं। डंठलों के अंदर खाने वाले लार्वा पौधे की संरचना को बाधित करते हैं, जिससे पौधे मुरझा जाते हैं और उछाल कम हो जाता है। वयस्क के खाने से पौधे पर निशान दिखाई देने लगते हैं, प्रकाश संश्लेषण कम हो जाता है और धीरे-धीरे सड़न होने लगती है। समय के साथ, जलकुंभी की घनी परतें टूटने लगती हैं, जिससे देशी जलीय पौधे और प्रजातियाँ ठीक होने लगती हैं।
population of plants is suppressed.
population of plants is suppressed.
With continuous feeding and reproduction, the weevils significantly weaken the water hyacinth, causing it to sink and decompose.
With continuous feeding and reproduction, the weevils significantly weaken the water hyacinth, causing it to sink and decompose.
पौधों की जनसंख्या कम हो जाती है।
पौधों की जनसंख्या कम हो जाती है।
लगातार भोजन और प्रजनन के कारण, ये कीड़े जलकुंभी को काफी कमजोर कर देते हैं, जिससे वह डूब जाती है और सड़ने लगती है।
लगातार भोजन और प्रजनन के कारण, ये कीड़े जलकुंभी को काफी कमजोर कर देते हैं, जिससे वह डूब जाती है और सड़ने लगती है।
Images courtesy: Dr Archana Anokhe, Scientist at ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research Institute, Jabalpur-482004 (ICAR-DWR)
does it work though?
does it work though?
Using biological pest control, which has been effective in places like Bangalore[1] and Madhya Pradesh[2], we can eradicate the water hyacinths long-term, which would benefit our local ecosystems and make the lakes of Hyderabad and Telangana better places to visit, not just for the birds, but also for us birdwatchers and nature lovers.
[1] Jayanth, K. P. (1988). Successful biological control of water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) by Neochetina eichhorniae (Coleoptera: curculionidae) in Bangalore, India. Tropical Pest Management, 34(3), 263–266. https://doi.org/10.1080/09670878809371254
[2] “Biological Control of Water Hyacinth.” ICAR, dwr.icar.gov.in/Success_Story/Story6.pdf. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
who's helping?
who's helping?
The Water Hyacinth Eradication Project involves multiple government departments working together to tackle the invasive plant issue. My journey began with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), which is responsible for urban planning and environmental management in Hyderabad, Telangana. HMDA also oversees the Lake Protection Committee, which plays a key role in safeguarding water bodies in the state. Within HMDA, I received recommendations and support from Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmad (Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, Hyderabad) and Mr. Krishna Mohan Rao (Head of the Lake Protection Committee).
Following this, I collaborated with the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), which was the first organization to deploy weevils for Water Hyacinth control in Bangalore. During my discussions with Dr. Kolla Sreedevi (In-charge, PME Cell, NBAIR), I learned that NBAIR had discontinued its work on weevils. Dr. Sreedevi then directed me to the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur (M.P.), which is now leading efforts in biological weed control.
At ICAR-DWR, I am working closely with Dr. Archana Anokhe, a scientist specializing in Entomology and a Fellow of ESI and Visiting Scholar at ARO, Israel. Dr. Anokhe is part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAgFW), Government of India, and plays a crucial role in research and implementation strategies for weevil-based Water Hyacinth control.
This multi-agency collaboration is essential in ensuring an effective and sustainable approach to eradicating Water Hyacinth and restoring ecological balance in affected water bodies.
Government of Telangana Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
Government of Telangana Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is the primary urban planning agency in Hyderabad, Telangana. It plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, including the protection and restoration of water bodies through its Lake Protection Committee. In the Water Hyacinth Eradication Project, HMDA provided initial support and guidance, with key recommendations from Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmad (Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, Hyderabad) and Mr. Krishna Mohan Rao (Head of the Lake Protection Committee). Their involvement ensures that the project aligns with state-level environmental policies and initiatives.
National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR)
National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR)
The National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) specializes in research on beneficial insects for sustainable agricultural and ecological management. It was the first organization to introduce weevils as a biological control method for Water Hyacinth in Bangalore. However, NBAIR has since shifted its focus away from weevil-based eradication efforts. Dr. Kolla Sreedevi (In-charge, PME Cell, NBAIR) provided insights into past research and guided the project towards the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur, which now leads biological control research.
ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR)
ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR)
The ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAgFW), Government of India, is a premier institute specializing in weed management strategies. The organization is at the forefront of research on the use of weevils for controlling Water Hyacinth, ensuring an eco-friendly and effective approach. At ICAR-DWR, I am collaborating with Dr. Archana Anokhe, an entomology scientist and Fellow of ESI, Visiting Scholar at ARO, Israel. Her expertise is instrumental in advancing the project by implementing scientifically backed biological control measures.
key sponsors, stakeholders and supporters
key sponsors, stakeholders and supporters
Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed
Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed
IAS officer
Metropolitan Commissioner of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
Mr. J.Krishna Rao
Mr. J.Krishna Rao
Head of the Lake Protection Committee, Telangana
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
Dr. Archana Anokhe
Dr. Archana Anokhe
Scientist
Dr. Archana Anokhe is a passionate conservationist and environmentalist dedicated to biodiversity protection, sustainability, and ecological research. With expertise in wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, she actively works towards creating a positive environmental impact through research, advocacy, and community engagement.
Entomology (Fellow ESI, Visiting Scholar- ARO, Israel)
ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research Institute, Jabalpur-482004 (ICAR-DWR)
Ministry of Agricultural and Farmer's Welfare., Govt of India (MoAgFW)
Ms. Farida Tampal
Ms. Farida Tampal
State Director at WWF-India
Farida Tampal is an environmentalist and conservationist with a strong focus on biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and community-led conservation efforts. With years of experience in environmental advocacy, she works to promote ecological sustainability, wildlife conservation, and climate action through collaboration with various stakeholders and organizations.
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Kushagra
Kushagra
timeline
timeline
November 2024
November 20, 2024
Initial meeting held regarding water hyacinth eradication in lakes.
Action items established:
Creation of a WhatsApp group for communication.
Krishna Rao Ji to share the list of 26 adopted lakes.
Anshul to provide contact details for the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR).
Krishna Rao Ji to initiate official communication with NBAIR.
Anshul shares NBAIR website information.
List of adopted lakes and their respective areas shared.
December 2024
December 2-3, 2024
Follow-up on progress regarding NBAIR connection.
Coordination on meeting schedules and Anshul's travel to the United States.
December 12-14, 2024
Target lakes identified: Chitkul and Chandana.
Ibrahim Cheruvu suggested as an additional target lake.
December 20-22, 2024
Krishna Rao registers on the NBAIR portal and attempts to contact Dr. Mahendiran at NBAIR regarding weevils.
December 28-29, 2024
Multiple attempts made to contact NBAIR, with no response.
Decision made to reach out to Pollution Control Board officials for further discussion.
December 30, 2024
An email sent to the Director of NBAIR, Dr. S.N. Sushil, seeking assistance in this matter.
January 2025
January 1, 2025
NBAIR, Bangalore, directs Anshul to contact ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), Jabalpur, for assistance.
Dr. Kolla Sreedevi (In-charge, PME Cell, NBAIR) confirms that NBAIR has discontinued work on weevils and redirects the team to ICAR-DWR for biological weed control efforts.
Request for collaboration sent to Dr. J.S. Mishra (ICAR-DWR) to explore the use of Neochetina spp. (weevils) for controlling water hyacinth in Hyderabad’s lakes.
January 3, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe (ICAR-DWR) responds positively, agreeing to assist.
She requests details regarding the total area of infestation and images of affected lakes.
January 4, 2025
Anshul provides a list of lakes severely affected by water hyacinth:
Peddha Cheruvu – 113.972 acres.
Chandana Cheruvu – 28.107 acres.
Fox Sagar – 482.600 acres.
Proposal to initiate a pilot project with one or two lakes.
Request for cost details regarding weevils.
January 7, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe informs that 30,000–35,000 beetles per hectare are required.
ICAR-DWR does not have sufficient beetles but is willing to multiply them for the project.
Anshul confirms willingness to proceed and requests formalities for government collaboration.
January 8, 2025
Anshul estimates that approximately 398,000 beetles are required for the 28-acre lake and involves Mr. Krishna Rao (Lake Protection Committee) to coordinate with HMDA.
Dr. Archana Anokhe provides a proforma for live insect requisition.
January 9, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe clarifies:
ICAR-DWR can initially provide 500 beetles for a trial demonstration.
Large-scale implementation will require a formal consultancy project.
Approval from the PME cell is needed for mass multiplication.
Anshul agrees and requests project initiation.
January 12, 2025
Anshul aligns with ICAR-DWR’s consultancy project approach.
Requests Dr. Archana Anokhe to initiate PME approval and informs HMDA (Hyderabad) regarding the project.
January 15, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe acknowledges Anshul’s request and requests a week to process it.
January 22-25, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe seeks clarification on:
Whether the lake is perennial (water present year-round).
Whether it has an outlet for water flow.
Anshul confirms that the lake is perennial and has one outlet.
February 2025
February 1-21, 2025
Progress is stalled due to a state-level agricultural fair.
February 21, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe requests:
Name of the organization/person signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Two signatory authorities for the project.
She provides a sample MoU for review and indicates that a site survey will follow upon MoU completion.
March 2025
March 23, 2025
Dr. Archana Anokhe follows up on the progress.
Update provided regarding ongoing efforts to secure formal approval from HMDA.
Continuous follow-up with relevant authorities to ensure project advancement.
May 2025
May 27, 2025
Anshul, Mr. Ranjit (from HMDA), Dr. Ram Prakash (from Hyderabad Agricultural University), and Kushagra release weevils at Chandana Cheruvu.
Found that some weevils were already there.
September 2025
September 2, 2025
After seeing the progress at Chandana Cheruvu, a new plan was devised, leading to a meeting on September 2, 2025.
Anshul, Dr. Archana Anokhe, Dr. Ajay, Mr. Ranjit, and Dr. Padmaja were present on the call.
We have decided to use a fungal extract along with the weevils for an integrated approach to tackling the issue.
An updated MoU would be sent over by Dr. Archana Anokhe by September 12, 2025.
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