Invasive purple Hyacinth bloom threatens Lamphelpat Wetland Ecosystem, experts warn
The widespread bloom of purple water hyacinth at Lamphelpat wetland in Imphal has attracted social media attention for its beauty but raised serious ecological concerns among experts, who warn that the invasive plant (Pontederia crassipes) is damaging the wetland ecosystem. It blocks sunlight and oxygen in water, harming aquatic life, speeding up siltation, and increasing mosquito breeding risks, while nutrient pollution from sewage is driving its rapid spread. Although it can absorb pollutants, experts caution that its uncontrolled growth threatens biodiversity, including native species like Kombirei, and may affect human and animal health if misused as feed. Researchers and visitors have called for urgent scientific management, pollution control, and conservation efforts to protect the wetland.
