NKDA all set to weed out Parthenium from New Town

The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) is all set to start removing Parthenium from New Town. But only rooting out these harmful weeds is not the only solution as these plants often grow in vacant lands. Concerned over the harmful effects of Parthenium hysterophorus, New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), the civic service provider, discussed the matter with director of agriculture to get the ultimate solution.

"The traditional method of getting rid of this menace is to uproot and burn them. This is a slow labour intensive method that creates smoke pollution. So I asked about the ultimate solution to this problem to director of agriculture, West Bengal. He advised us to use 5 per cent brine solution," said Debashis Sen, Chairman-cum- Managing Director (CMD), Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).

In hydrology, brine is a form of salt water, namely, water with relatively high concentration of salt (usually sodium chloride). It is generally used to eradicate weeds.

"The workers from NKDA sprayed it over a 5 acre plot near the bus stand of Action Area I. After three days, the plants will begin to wilt and die. We will monitor the situation further before expanding," the CMD said.

"Some residents saw that our workers were spraying water on the Parthenium. They asked us the reason for watering these harmful weeds. The workers informed them that it was only brine solution which would kill these weeds," Sen added.

Meanwhile, HIDCO is drawing up a plan for residents' participation in keeping the New Town greenery intact.

"Any area in front of a housing estate or a business house will be offered for beautification and maintenance from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department," he further said.