Udalguri, June 20: A public awareness campaign titled “Parthenium Identification and Eradication Drive” was launched on Friday under the initiative of environmental conservation organisation Seuj Society and the leadership of nature lover and journalist Sanjoy Baruah. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the dangers posed by Parthenium hysterophorus, an invasive and toxic weed that threatens the environment, agriculture and public health.
As part of the programme, retired Sub-Divisional Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Umesh Chandra Das and Bablu Ansari, Assistant Coordinator of the Dhekiajuli Regional Branch of Seuj Society, conducted a field survey from 7 am along National Highway-15. During the exercise, they identified extensive growth of Parthenium plants and interacted with local residents to create awareness about the harmful effects of the weed and measures required for its control and eradication.
Addressing the awareness programme, Dr Das explained that Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as Congress Grass, is an invasive alien species that spreads rapidly across agricultural fields, roadsides, grazing lands, vacant plots and residential areas. He said the weed poses a serious threat not only to agriculture but also to human and animal health.
According to Dr Das, direct contact with the plant and exposure to its pollen can lead to allergies, skin ailments, itching, eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, asthma and other respiratory disorders. He noted that farmers, road workers and people engaged in outdoor activities are particularly vulnerable due to their regular exposure to the plant.
He further stated that the weed is harmful to livestock and may cause poisoning if consumed accidentally by cattle, goats or other animals. Such exposure can also adversely affect milk production. In addition, Parthenium suppresses the growth of beneficial grasses and crops, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity.
Dr Das urged people to uproot and destroy the weed before it flowers and disperses seeds. He advised the use of gloves, face masks and full-sleeved clothing while handling the plant and appealed to residents to regularly inspect homes, schools, government offices, roadsides and vacant areas and remove the weed whenever detected.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjoy Baruah said a lack of awareness about invasive species such as Parthenium could pose serious challenges to environmental sustainability and public health in the future. He said Seuj Society would continue the campaign in different regions and called upon citizens to actively participate in the initiative.
The campaign received a positive response from local residents, many of whom assured their cooperation and pledged to participate in identifying and removing Parthenium plants in their localities. Organisers said the programme would be expanded in the coming days with the objective of protecting the environment and safeguarding public health.
