This story is from June 5, 2020

Tapi sheds its decade-long hyacinth blanket this summer

Tapi sheds its decade-long hyacinth blanket this summer
SURAT: Every summer, river Tapi, from Kosad to weir-cum-causeway, wore a green blanket. However, this summer it has thankfully got rid of that hyacinth covering after the more than two months of lockdown.
Earlier, the waterweed-covered river was an eyesore for the residents, who are pleasantly surprised by the free flow of clean water now.
According to experts, thanks to good amount of rain and reduced discharge of waste water in the river, it could shed at least 32 percent hyacinth cover this year compared to the past 10 years.

Hyacinth not only deteriorates quality of water but also creates major problems in the operation of the intake well that pumps water to the city, they explained. The drop in hyacinth cover is now helping improve the ecology of the river.
“There is more than 32 percent significant drop in hyacinth cover in the 20km stretch of the river, from Kosad to weir-cum-causeway. We have registered such a big drop for the first time in a decade,” said Namrata Jariwala, assistant professor, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT).
Jariwala said that abundance of rain and heavy flow of water helped clear hyacinth from river water. Also the closing down of a number of unauthorised waste water outlets helped keep the weed under control, she added.
“Hyacinth grew in the river for past few years as there was no good rain,” said Karmavir Bhatt, an ecologist. He said that was cured by heavy water flow for over three months which cleared the river of hyacinth, from roots to seeds. “Overall water quality has improved in the river and a good monsoon this year too will clear the river further,” he added.
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About the Author
Yagnesh Bharat Mehta

Yagnesh Mehta is principal correspondent at The Times of India, Surat and reports on crime, politics and health related issues. He has reported on major events that affected Surat in recent years, like the floods in 2006 and bird flu outbreak in Navapur in 2005. He has also covered child labour issues in industries of Surat and on RTI. Painting and rock-climbing are his favourite leisure activities.

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