Ambazari Lake is facing a severe crisis as water hyacinth rapidly spreads, covering nearly 70% of its surface. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has failed to implement effective long-term solutions, despite multiple efforts to control the infestation. The unchecked growth of this invasive plant is causing severe ecological damage and economic losses.
Over the past year, NMC has launched removal operations, using heavy machinery and manpower to extract around 3,000 tons of hyacinth in ten days. They also partnered with NEERI for water sample analysis, but the infestation persists, proving their approach ineffective. The primary causes include pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste, which enriches the lake with nutrients, fueling the weed’s growth. Additionally, poor waste management and lack of strategic planning have worsened the situation.
Satellite imagery shows that water hyacinth now covers 10.78 square kilometers of the lake, reducing water quality, depleting oxygen levels, and disrupting livelihoods. However, if properly utilized, the invasive plant could generate significant revenue. In Kenya, it has been converted into biofuels and biodegradable products. If similar methods were applied to Ambazari Lake, the infestation could yield around ₹4.47 crore through commercial use.
To tackle this crisis, NMC must shift from mechanical removal to pollution control and sustainable utilization of water hyacinth. Without immediate action, the lake’s degradation will continue, causing irreversible damage to the ecosystem and local economy.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com