Kochi: Weeds, predominantly water hyacinth, are proliferating rapidly in the waters of Kuttanad and are now extending up to Vembanad backwaters in Aroor, making it difficult for inland fishermen and farmers in Kuttanad paddy fields. They also affect operation of the boat services of the State Water Transport Department (SWTD).
After the severe August floods, Kuttanad farmers were preparing to start the paddy season from October but several paddy fields have now become home to the weeds. The weeds that go with the water that farmer committees pump out clog these water bodies.
“The absence of salinity in water in the aftermath of the floods coupled with the presence of nutrients in the fresh water and adequate sunlight have resulted in the proliferation of the weeds in the backwaters now,” said Dr. G. Nagendra Prabhu, associate professor of zoology at SD College, Alappuzha and principal investigator of the Centre for Research on Aquatic Resources.
“The same helpful conditions enable weeds to flourish in rivers and canals, too. The floods took the weeds up to Aroor and also the Kayamkulam side,” he said.
A senior official said the SWTD is facing problems in operating boats services in Alappuhza district due to the presence of the weeds including water hyacinth. “The salinity of water in Kochi backwaters stops the weeds from flourishing,” he said. “This makes our operations in areas around Aroor rather smooth,” the official added.
“The inland fish farmers are also finding it difficult to fish in these weed-filled waters and eke out a living” said Dr Nagendra Prabhu. “This year the situation is more serious than last year. The padasekhara committees and agriculture department too are finding it difficult to physically remove the weeds since it costs a lot of money.”
