Robotic Project Launched to Control Invasive Water Hyacinth in Vembanad Lake

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Key takeaways

The State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) is launching a 1-month pilot project using robotic technology to clear invasive water hyacinth from Vembanad Lake.
Vembanad Lake is a critical Ramsar Wetland Site in Kerala supporting local biodiversity and livelihoods.
Native to South America's Amazon Basin, water hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*) depletes oxygen and causes eutrophication in freshwater bodies.
Biological management of this aquatic weed is carried out using Neochetina weevils alongside mechanical removal and nutrient reduction methods.

The State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) has initiated a 1-month pilot project at Kumarakom. The project uses robotic technology to clean invasive water hyacinth from Vembanad Lake.
This conservation drive functions under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Vembanad Lake is a key Ramsar Wetland Site in Kerala. It sustains rich aquatic biodiversity, local fishing industries, tourism, and community livelihoods.

Water hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*) is a free-floating freshwater weed from the Pontederiaceae family. It is recognized globally as an invasive alien species.
The plant originated in South America's Amazon Basin. People introduced it to India and other countries as a decorative plant because of its purple flowers.
It multiplies quickly to create thick floating layers over water bodies. These layers block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and drastically reduce dissolved oxygen levels.
Uncontrolled growth leads to eutrophication in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This chokes water channels, hurting fish farming, boat navigation, crop irrigation, and tourism activities.
Authorities control this weed using mechanical harvesters and biological agents like Neochetina weevils. Stopping sewage run-off and nutrient pollution also prevents its rapid growth.
This plant can be converted into useful items such as compost, organic fertilizers, paper, and handicrafts. It is also valuable in phytoremediation to clean polluted water.