Researchers join hands to clear Morna of hyacinth

CRAR team from SD College to take up work in Maharashtra

G. Nagendra Prabhu

Researchers under the aegis of the Centre for Research on Aquatic Resources (CRAR) at SD College, Alappuzha, who are on a mission to put aquatic weeds to good use, will now offer solutions to the problem of water hyacinth infestation in the Morna river in Maharashtra.

SD College authorities said the Akola district administration had requested the services of CRAR principal investigator G. Nagendra Prabhu to keep the aquatic weed under control. Mr. Prabhu and his team will offer technical solutions through transfer of technologies that they developed for value-addition of the troublesome weed, officials said.

Researchers at the CRAR led by Mr. Prabhu have developed material for mushroom cultivation, biomass briquettes, and modified hydroponics. In the process, the researchers also found that the pulp generated from water hyacinth could be used to create handicrafts, utensils, utility articles such as multipurpose boards, egg trays, disposable plates, and painting canvases.

Record-setting effort

“The Morna river clean-up programme was launched in January, 2018. The Clean Morna River campaign, a citizens’ initiative, has entered record books for the largest river-cleaning initiative and largest women-driven river-cleaning initiative. It was also mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his

Mann Ki Baat programme for its uniqueness. However, after the initial clean-up, it was observed that water hyacinth started to grow again and the authorities wanted a sustainable and economic solution to this problem. We have submitted a proposal to the Akola district administration. Our team will visit Akola to train people in making value-added products from water hyacinth,” Mr. Prabhu said.

The CRAR’s solutions for control and value-addition of aquatic weeds are modelled on concepts like “eradication through utilisation” and “use to reduce”. “We are happy to see that the technologies we developed are being sought after. These can be developed into an alternative livelihood programme,” Mr. Prabhu added.