Noxious weed becomes health hazard

Declared a noxious weed, the Congress grass or Gajar booti has become a major health concern not only for residents of the holy city but for the entire state.

The state government had initiated the steps to control the weed by issuing a notification in 2015 and had instructed Deputy Commissioners to take appropriate measures for eliminating it.

However, due to the lack of sustained efforts the initiative failed to get desired results and the Congress grass started growing at an unprecedented pace again.

Botanically known as Parthenium hysterophorus, the weed is widespread along roads and at vacant residential plots in the city. It thrives in a hot and moist environment and therefore spreads very fast during the rainy season.

Parkash Singh Bhatti, noted environmentalist from the city, pointed out that the noxious weed is allelopathic in nature as it does not allow other plants to grow near it.

In 2015, following the instructions from the state government, the district administration initiated a campaign to uproot the harmful weed from government offices and roadsides. However, the campaign ran out of steam soon after.

“It would require consistent efforts for several years for the eradication of the Congress grass,” he pointed out. Bhatti added that uprooting the weed mechanically or chemically is the best way to deal with it as multiple stems grow back from its roots.

“The weed has been a health concern for past many years. The pollens of the weed, especially those of Parthenium hysterophorus, are known to cause eczema, dermatitis and asthma. Even animals can get infected by dermatitis by consuming the weed. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made for its eradication,” said Dr Naresh Chawla, a noted chest specialist and former government TB officer.

The pollens are known to travel far and wide. Given the high growth and survival rate, roadsides can be seen covered with the wild growth of the allergic weed, said Ashwani Kumar, a local resident.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said all departments concerned, including Municipal Corporation, Improvement Trust, Agriculture and Rural Department, had been issued directions. “Instructions would be passed soon to take intensive measures in this regard,” she added.