Wild plants flourish amid no-removal campaign

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 20

Harmful weeds, such as ‘gazar booti’ (coronopus didymus) and ‘congress grass’ (parthenium hysterophorus), are making their presence felt alongside roads and vacant plots in the city amid government apathy. The administration had conducted a drive around two years ago to eradicate these, but the initiative wasn’t carried forward, resulting in the current mess.

Such weeds are harmful for people and animals. The pollens, especially those of parthenium hysterophorus, are known for causing eczema, dermatitis and asthma. Milch animals consuming these can be infected by dermatitis.

A city resident, Bishan Singh (farmer), said, “Apart from roadsides, it can also be spotted in public parks which are not well maintained. Like other weeds, these two are of hardy nature and can survive without water for long. State-wide campaigns to eradicate these were also launched in 80s and 90s as well.”

The district administration’s campaign around two years ago had helped in uprooting weeds from a major portion of the city but in the absence of the drive’s regularity, the weed has again covered most of the areas.

Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Dalbir Singh Chinna said, “The best time to eradicate it is September and October before the formation of seeds in the plant. The department has been creating awareness among people, asking them not to let the weed grow near their properties.”

Dr Chinna said the eradication of weeds was a regular and continuous process which took years. A campaign will be initiated after the paddy harvest to uproot weeds, and public participation would be ensured, he added.