NMC Set To Adopt Chanda Model to Tackle Water Hyacinth

Nagpur: The city's Ambazari Dam and the downstream Nag River are choking under a massive spread of water hyacinth, causing stagnant water and a surge in mosquito breeding. This has led to a severe health crisis for residents living along the water bodies. While the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) sought scientific solutions from NEERI, it has decided to adopt the successful Chandrapur model for managing the invasive plant species.
In Chandrapur, NGO Ajay Sanstha demonstrated the economic potential of water hyacinth by transforming it into eco-friendly handcrafted products like laptop bags, file folders, baskets, yoga mats, dining mats, and custom gifts. These sustainable products are affordable and help tackle the environmental problem while generating livelihood opportunities.
Inspired by this initiative, NMC commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari plans to integrate a similar approach with its ongoing removal drive, aiming to turn the weed into a resource rather than a waste problem.