Invasive Weed Chokes Bhavani River: Farmers Demand Urgent State Intervention

Ecological Crisis at Kooduthurai

Large segments of the Bhavani River in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district have vanished beneath a dense, green canopy of water hyacinth. On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, observation of the Bhavani-Kooduthurai stretch revealed that the invasive weed has formed a thick mat across the surface, effectively halting natural water movement. This rapid proliferation poses an immediate threat to the river's biological health and the livelihoods of those dependent on its flow.

Stagnation and Pollution Fueling Growth

Local residents and farmers attribute this sudden surge in weed density to a combination of sluggish currents and untreated sewage discharge. The concentration of nutrients from municipal waste acts as a catalyst for the hyacinth's expansion. Concerned stakeholders identified three primary risks associated with this environmental shift:

• Depletion of Dissolved Oxygen: The dense surface coverage prevents atmospheric oxygen from reaching the water, potentially leading to massive fish kills.
• Public Health Hazards: Stagnant pockets created by the weeds serve as primary breeding sites for mosquito populations.
• Irrigation Disruptions: Blocked channels prevent the efficient delivery of water to downstream agricultural fields.

Demands for Long-term Management

Farmers are calling for the Water Resources Department and local administrative bodies to launch a coordinated removal operation. Beyond immediate extraction, they demand a permanent strategy to address the root causes of the infestation. One local farmer emphasized that the river must flow freely to maintain its health, noting that periodic clearing is insufficient without addressing the pollution sources that nourish the weed. The community is seeking a comprehensive management plan to protect the Bhavani River, which remains a lifeline for the region’s agricultural sector.

Source: The Hindu — Cities