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Achankulam, one of the tanks in the Noyyal River system that supports a large number of avifauna and other lesser-known species, faces a threat from water hyacinths destroying the wetland’s ecosystem.
The invasive plant has completely occupied the south side of the waterbody, known as a gathering spot for large numbers of water birds, including rare migratory ones.
Water hyacinth
The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a beautiful but invasive aquatic plant native to tropical and subtropical South America.
It is known for its glossy green leaves, attractive purple flowers, and rapid growth rate.
Water hyacinths can reproduce vegetatively at a very fast rate, doubling their population size in as little as two weeks.
This rapid growth can quickly form dense mats that cover the water surface, blocking sunlight and hindering the growth of other aquatic plants.
When water hyacinths die and decompose, they use up oxygen in the water.
This can lead to oxygen depletion, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
Achankulam Lake
The Achankulam Lake you are referring to is located near Neelambur village in Sulur Taluk, on the outskirts of Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the tanks of the Noyyal river basin, along with 24 lakes in and around Coimbatore.
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