Kumarakom: Water hyacinth, which grows abundantly in the Vembanad lake on the southern part of the Thanneermukkom bund, gets destroyed within two weeks when the bund is opened to let in saltwater every year. However, the situation is different time as the weed is seen widely in the lake even three months after the shutters of the bund were lifted.

This year, incessant rains after the raising of the shutters proved a boon to the hyacinth as they reduced the salinity of the water. Consequently, the entire eastern banks of the Vembanad lake are now choked with the invasive plant, making it difficult for boats and canoes to pass. The hyacinth has also intruded into the nearby canals. The situation has dealt a severe blow to employees in the lake-related sectors and tourism industry. Things become worse during high tide, which pushes the weed further into the canals.

The shutters of the bund will be shut in December, proving ideal conditions for the hyacinth to thrive as the southern side of the lake will become completely devoid of salt.

Residents of Kuttanad said that the weeds have now made life hell for them, the irrespective of whether bund is opened or closed, and sought urgent measures by the government to solve the issue.