Locals worry over wild growth of water hyacinth in Sal river

Margao: With the southwest monsoon fast approaching, residents living along the banks of the Sal river have raised an alarm over the unchecked spread of water hyacinth across large stretches of the river. They have urged the water resources department (WRD) to undertake and complete de-weeding operations before the rains set in.

The concern stems from bitter experience. Last year, surging pre-monsoon currents swept huge volumes of the floating weed downstream towards Betul, where the river meets the Arabian Sea. The accumulated vegetation fouled Mobor beach in Cavelossim, leaving heaps of rotting hyacinth that generated stench, disrupted fishing activity and drove away visitors.

Villagers pointed out that large swathes of the river remain choked under dense green mats of the invasive weed.

Sources indicate that the WRD has so far undertaken de-weeding along a stretch of roughly 4km, well short of what residents say is required. Locals insist the work must be completed before the monsoon arrives, warning that if left unaddressed, the weed will mass at the river’s mouth, choking its outflow.

Activist Santan Pereira echoed those concerns, calling for a lasting solution rather than seasonal interventions. “This is not a problem that can be addressed season after season with ad hoc measures. Water hyacinth has invaded the river, and advanced technology must be explored for a permanent solution — failing which, we will see the river flood and residential areas go under,” he said.

Environmental observers said that the weed depletes oxygen in water, disrupts aquatic life, hampers fishing and breeds mosquitoes — hazards that compound sharply once the rains begin.