Shafaq News- Al-Anbar
The rapid growth of water hyacinth across waterwaysconnected to the Euphrates River in western Al-Anbar province has raisedenvironmental concerns over its impact on water flow and intake facilities.
Environmental specialist Ahmed Al-Alwani told Shafaq News onFriday that water hyacinth is among the most dangerous invasive aquatic plantsthreatening Iraq's environment because of its ability to reproduce rapidly,particularly in slow-moving rivers and canals.
The plant forms a dense layer across the water surface,blocking sunlight from reaching aquatic organisms and vegetation below,reducing oxygen levels, disrupting the river's ecological balance, andthreatening biodiversity and fish stocks, Al-Alwani explained. He added thatwater hyacinth consumes large amounts of water and nutrients, placingadditional pressure on Iraq's already strained water resources. Beyond its environmentalimpact, the plant obstructs water movement in rivers and canals, affects waterintake stations and treatment projects, and causes sediment and debris toaccumulate around hydraulic infrastructure, increasing maintenance and operatingcosts.
According to Al-Alwani, effective control requires continuedmechanical removal campaigns, regular monitoring of vulnerable areas, andmeasures to stop the plant from spreading to new locations through waterways. “Long-termsolutions depend on integrated control plans led by the Ministries ofAgriculture and Water Resources, with close coordination between governmentinstitutions and local administrations.”
Amir Al-Hassoun, Director General of the EnvironmentalAwareness and Media Department at the Ministry of Environment, told Shafaq Newsthat the ministry continues to urge the Ministries of Agriculture, WaterResources, Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works to implementpreventive measures.
Mahmoud Salem, director of Al-Anbar Water Directorate,described the infestation of water hyacinth in Al-Amiriyah as a"moderate-risk" environmental issue, similar to other pollutantscarried into the river from upstream areas before multiplying rapidly. He indicatedthe directorate, in cooperation with the district administration and the WaterResources Directorate, has launched an extensive campaign to contain theproblem.
Salem noted that the plant obstructs water intake structuressupplying drinking water projects, requiring extensive field operations toremove it, expressing confidence that existing infestations would be eliminatedwithin the coming days.
Authorities in Al-Amiriyah have been conducting waterhyacinth removal campaigns for several weeks with the participation of thedistrict administration, Al-Anbar Water Directorate, and the Water ResourcesDirectorate.
