WRD begins removal of invasive plants from irrigation tanks along Palar River in Vellore

invasive plants were removed from six tanks such as Thorapadi, Agaramcheri, Kolamangalam, and Melmanavur. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ahead of the Northeast monsoon, the Water Resources Department (WRD) and Exnora International have started to remove the invasive seemai karuvelam (Prosopis Juliflora) in dry irrigation tanks along Palar River, to store excess rainwater from reservoirs located upstream. 

Officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) said the initiative was mooted by Collector P.S. Leela Alex after farmers in the region requested the district administration to remove invasive plants. “Removal of invasive plants in waterbodies, especially lakes will help increase groundwater in the area. It will also help increase the total farming area in the region,” said S. Raman, a farmer.