Experts advocate collaboration for weed removal from Coimbatore tanks

The Coimbatore Corporation recently began removing weeds from seven smart city tanks, in a bid to prevent the invasive species from causing detrimental harm to the aquatic ecosystem.

However, environmentalists observe a continued lack of collaboration in managing these tanks, which they prefer to call ‘ecosystems’.

“Now-a-days lakes are only considered as water storing ‘tanks’ rather than ecosystems. Any tampering requires expert guidance,” said Prasath Selvaraj, an independent wildlife biologist.

Water hyacinth, a pervasive weed in Coimbatore’s urban water bodies, has become integral to the ecosystem. Birds like the Bronze-winged Jacana, Watercock, White-breasted Waterhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, and Common Coot have adapted to its presence, using the weed as islands for resting and nesting.

“When lakes are occupied with hyacinths, they become habitats for hyacinth specialist bird species during their breeding season. If the weed is removed, it will result in the loss of their breeding habitat,” Mr. Selvaraj highlighted.

The experts also emphasise the importance of removing the weed to maintain the health of the water body’s ecosystem, despite its usage by birds. The removal process should be dealt within a methodical manner.

“Water hyacinth is an invasive non-native plant that occurs in polluted water. Birds adapt to various environments but that must not stop the removal of the weed. It should be dealt with and at the same time, eco-restoration should be made the highest priority,” said P. Pramod, Senior Principal Scientist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).

Further, there are also concerns about the lack of effective bio-fences to prevent its spread between tanks. Many installed fences remain damaged or broken, facilitating the invasive species’ spread.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran, said, “The measures we have implemented are standard among other Corporations, and the floating weed removal machine is considered optimal. We are also open to collaborating with experts to ensure the task is completed without harm to birds or their nests.”