Two organisations: Shivanadiyar Thirukoodam Trust, Bhavani, and Mangayarkarasiyar Arutpani Trust, Coimbatore, are in the thick of clearing a nearly one-km stretch of Bhavani river of hyacinth, from the anicut to Kooduthurai.
The work that began a few days back with removal of prosopis juliflora in the embankment area has gained momentum. Initially, five excavator machines had to be used to clear prosopis juliflora, and now two are being utilised to remove hyacinth.
No sooner did the district administration and the Public Works Department give a go-ahead signal, than the organisations commenced the work. So far, they have incurred an expenditure of five lakh rupees and a similar amount needs to be spent further to complete the task. Thereafter, regular maintenance will be undertaken to prevent the weed from covering water surface again, Shivanadiyar Thirukoodam trustee Mohanraj said.
Unlike in the case of the Cauvery river, there is no regular flow in the Bhavani and hence, the overgrowth of hyacinth could not be arrested.
The water colour that was brackish at the time of hyacinth removal turned transparent after contact with sunlight and the aeration process.
In fact, standing water to a depth of five to ten feet to a stretch of over 100 metres could be came to light only after removal of the hyacinth cover.
The organisations have sought support from like-minded organisations saying the initiative would reflect in enormous water conservation and groundwater recharge since, otherwise, a single hyacinth plant consumes more than one litre of water a day.
