‘Harmful weeds pose threat’

Amritsar, June 17

The wild growth of ‘gazar booti’ and ‘congress grass’, which can be seen alongside roads and at vacant plots, can cause skin allergies and respiratory problems. Former senior medical officer and skin specialist Dr Amarjit Singh Sachdeva said skin allergies can be caused by these weeds due to contact with them and also through spread of their pollens. “The pollens of parthenium hysterophorus are known for causing diseases as eczema, dermatitis and asthma among human beings,” he said.

The administration had initiated a campaign to eradicate the weeds around two years ago. Sachdeva said a continuous follow-up campaign was needed to destroy the seeds. He said the administration should also sensitise farmers and residents to it. — TNS