Shafaq News- Baghdad
Water hyacinth is spreading across sections of the Tigris River inBaghdad, increasing environmental pressure on the capital’s main waterwaydespite recent rainfall that raised river levels.
Locally known as “water hyacinth,” the invasive plant is expanding alongreed-dense stretches of the river, forming thick floating mats that cover thesurface, block sunlight, and reduce oxygen levels in the water.
Speaking to Shafaq News, Ahmed al-Khafaji, head of the Health andEnvironment Committee, noted that water hyacinth reduces the efficiency ofriver movement, pointing out that a single plant can consume up to one liter ofwater.
“The plant also creates stagnant areas that encourage insect breedingand spreads rapidly during warmer months,” he added, warning that it placesadditional strain on river channels, water treatment infrastructure, and fishpopulations.
The spread is also being reported in southern Iraq. In Dhi Qar province,authorities moved earlier this month to contain the plant in the EuphratesRiver. On May 12, the provincial Agriculture Committee outlined emergencysteps, while water resources officials launched cleanup operations targetingsediment and aquatic vegetation.
According to Zainab al-Asadi, head of the Dhi Qar Agriculture Committee,the plant represents a “serious threat” to river systems due to its rapidgrowth and high water consumption.
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Meanwhile, engineer Abbas Kassem of the Directorate for Maintenance ofIrrigation and Drainage Projects confirmed that removal operations have begunbetween key bridges as part of efforts to restore smoother water flow and takeadvantage of improved water levels.
Native to South America, water hyacinth is considered one of the world’smost invasive aquatic plants. It was introduced to Iraq around two decades agoand has since spread across multiple waterways.
The species has caused environmental damage in countries includingNigeria, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and parts of southwestern France. It has been listedby the European Commission since 2016 among invasive species requiring controlmeasures due to its ecological impact.
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