Kottayam: Water hyacinths are causing serious problems for homestay tourism in Kumarakom, as the weeds are choking the numerous canals in the region. The invasive plant, once confined to the banks of Vembanad Lake, has now spread into the adjoining waterways.

While the banks of the lake have now been spared the threat of the hyacinth, the plants still remain in the canals, near which most of the homestays are located. With boat rides blocked by the dense weed growth, tourists are unable to enjoy one of Kumarakom’s main attractions, dealing a major blow to the region’s homestay sector.

Many homestay operators attract tourists by including boat rides in their package. But the current situation has made boating increasingly difficult, leading to disputes between tourists and homestay operators. 

Among the worst-affected canals is the one between Konchumada and Attipeedika, which is directly connected to the Vembanad Lake. At many spots on this canal, the water hyacinth has grown not just thickly but also to a considerable height.

Considering the grave situation, homestay owners demanded urgent measures from the authorities to clear the canals by deploying workers under the employment guarantee scheme.