Latest news with #Parthenium
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Parthenium eradication drive in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to protect grasslands
Guwahati: Parthenium, which is believed to have entered India as a contaminant in wheat shipments from the US more than 70 years ago, has emerged as a major threat to grasslands in Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world. Colloquially known as the 'Congress grass', the name has been associated with Parthenium because it grows at a fast pace in fallow lands, including wildlife sanctuaries, said well-known botanist and chairman of state expert appraisal committee for union forest ministry Jatindra Sarma. An invasive weed from the Asteraceae family, Parthenium hysterophorus has spread aggressively, invading an estimated 1 million hectares of land across the country, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, as per reports. Forest officials cautioned that Parthenium is notorious for causing various issues such as skin allergies, fever and reducing agricultural productivity and biodiversity. To get rid of it and save the indigenous species of grass for the rhinos, park authorities have eradicated Parthenium across seven hectares in the sanctuary over the last two days. "Rhinos feed on 11 types of grasses found in Pobitora. The invasion of Parthenium has been worrying in the last two to three years. Its growth is significant this year due to fewer floods," Pobitora range officer Pranjal Baruah said on Sunday. As part of a three-day campaign of 'Parthenium Free Pobitora', on the first day, i.e., on Saturday, about 5.2 hectares of Parthenium was cleared by about 40 forest staff, who were led by Baruah. The drive continued on Sunday, with the team clearing a two-hectare area from the Tamuliduva area, along with members of EDCs and Pobitora Jeep Safari Association. "Special precautions have been taken for the forest staff to avoid Parthenium allergy during the drive. Also, special emphasis has been given by the sanctuary authority for the improvement of the habitat of rhinos and other animals by way of weed eradication, soil moisture conservation, etc., so that the carrying capacity of the ecosystem can be enhanced," said Baruah On Monday, the remaining part of about five hectares of Tamuliduva and Kamarpur areas will be covered under the drive. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Capricorn Horoscope Today, August 10, 2025
Last Updated: Capricorn Daily Horoscope, August 10, 2025: Busy day with financial ups and downs. Stay vigilant, spend wisely, and embrace teamwork. Progress awaits with careful planning. Capricorn Daily Horoscope Today, August 10 2025: Ganesha says today will be a busy day on the economic front. Today you may have to face some losses. Today will be nothing special for you. You may need to take some proactive measures to improve your financial situation. You will need to pay attention to your expenses and spend wisely to keep your financial condition stable. You will try to give more time to your work area. Avoid reacting in a hurry and maintain vigilance. Follow policies and rules, and seek cooperation from peers and colleagues. Everyone will be happy. Maintain healthy competition with the cooperation of your colleagues. You will remain emotionally strong and will pay attention to advice and guidance. You will get everyone's support, and humility will increase in you. Discomfort will go away, and you will pay attention to your diet. Your energy level will be good. Lucky Colour: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 10 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla First Published: August 10, 2025, 06:55 IST News astrology Capricorn Horoscope Today, August 10, 2025 Latest News Capricorn Horoscope Today, August 10, 2025 Astrology New Delhi Two Tihar Jail Inmates Die After Slipping Into Drain; Probe Underway Astrology Sagittarius Horoscope Today, August 10, 2025 Astrology Scorpio Horoscope Today, August 10, 2025 Agency feeds Assam: 5.2 hectares of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary cleared of Parthenium latest news
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Assam: 5.2 hectares of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary cleared of Parthenium
Morigaon (Assam) [India], August 10 (ANI): As a part of a three-day campaign of Parthenium Free Pobitora, on the first day on Saturday, about a 5.2 hectares area of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district was cleared of Parthenium or Congress grass, an invasive weed, by the forest to the authorities of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, about 40 forest staff members of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary were led by Range Officer Pranjal Baruah within six hours of Invasive Alien Species (IASE) Eradication Drive.'Special precautions have been taken for the forest staff to get rid of the parthenium allergy during the drive. On August 10, the team will carry out a special drive to eradicate Parthenium from the Tamuliduva area with Members of EDCs and Pobitora Jeep Safari Association," Pranjal Baruah, Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, further said that special emphasis has been given by the Wildlife Sanctuary authority for improving the habitat of Rhinos and other animals of the Sanctuary by way of weed eradication, soil moisture conservation, etc, so that the carrying capacity of the ecosystem can be Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of great one-horned rhinoceroses in the to the data of the last rhino population census conducted in 2022, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 107 Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, and the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 38.81 sq km. (ANI)
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Time of India
Udanti and Sunabeda's anti-poaching team targets five illegal grazing camps
Raipur: The Anti-Poaching Team of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve and Sunabeda Sanctuary dismantled five illegal grazing camps operated by shepherds from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and parts of Chhattisgarh. Thousands of unauthorised sheep and goats were found damaging grasslands and accelerating the spread of invasive weeds like Lantana, Eupatorium, and Parthenium, leading to fodder shortages for native cattle and wild herbivores. Authorities estimate that around 5,000–10,000 livestock grazed illegally in the Raipur-Dhamtari-Gariaband region and were being moved into the protected areas. Villagers from Amamora and Odh supported the forest department in the operation. Protecting these grasslands is vital to sustain herbivores like deer, sambar, and nilgai, which are prey for over 100 leopards in the region and help prevent human-wildlife conflict. Acting on intelligence, forest teams raided the Kulhadighat forest area near Beats Nagarar and Amamora, bordering the sanctuary, said Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain. Around 3,000–4,000 livestock were found. Two arrests included Laduram (61) and Ramnivas (53), both from Nagaur, Rajasthan, along with their herds and accomplices. Eight accused were produced before the Judicial Magistrate in Gariaband and sent to jail under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Indian Forest Act, 1927. Two forest offence cases were registered. Authorities are pursuing the absconding accused and working to recover Rs 4 lakh as surety. The Deputy Director said that shepherds from Rajasthan and Gujarat used to pass through Madhya Pradesh and enter Chhattisgarh via the bordering Kawardha district. About ten years ago, they camped in MP to graze their sheep and goats, but after the MP Forest Department implemented strict measures, they began moving into Chhattisgarh instead. Their grazing season begins in mid-June and continues for four months. They typically sell a sheep or goat for approximately Rs 10,000 and earn crores before returning to their respective states, he added.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
2 Makum teachers take on toxic weeds as authorities remain silent
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: Two schoolteachers from Makum in Tinsukia district have taken it upon themselves to combat the growing menace of toxic Parthenium plants. With machetes and a banner reading "Remove Parthenium, Restore Nature", Manjit Thakur, headmaster of Dhola Hahkhati High School, and Utpal Baruah, headmaster of Bajaloni ME School, have been clearing the invasive weed along the Makum-Digboi Road while educating locals on its dangers. Despite the rapid spread of the hazardous plant across Makum — including near the Railway High School and residential areas around the railway station — the Makum Municipal Board has taken no action. Frustrated by the authorities' inaction, the two educators have used their free time to manually remove the weed and spread awareness. Parthenium hysterophorus, also known as Congress grass or carrot weed, is an invasive species that poses significant health and environmental risks. Its pollen can trigger severe asthma attacks, while skin contact may cause painful rashes and blistering. The plant is particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions. In agricultural areas, it competes with crops for nutrients and light, reducing yield. It also suppresses native vegetation, threatening biodiversity. "The spread of Parthenium in Makum has reached alarming levels. If not tackled now, it will endanger both human health and agriculture," said Thakur. "Many people don't realise how harmful this plant is. It spreads rapidly and will soon overrun our fields and roadsides if left unchecked. If our efforts prompt even a few people to act or raise official attention, we'll consider it a success," he added. While continuing their grassroots drive, the teachers have called on authorities to launch a large-scale eradication campaign. "As educators, our duty goes beyond the classroom. We're committed to protecting the environment and raising public awareness," said Baruah. "Manual removal is just a temporary fix. The govt must allocate funds and deploy manpower to address this issue effectively," he added. Local residents have echoed their concerns, expressing growing frustration over the lack of official response. "These plants are everywhere — near our homes, where children play, along our roads. We deeply appreciate what the teachers are doing, but this is the municipality's responsibility. Proper resources and coordination are needed," said social worker Binod Gogoi. Despite the scale of the problem, the two educators remain undeterred. They carry out their cleanup mission on weekends and after school hours — setting a powerful example of civic duty that has inspired others in the community to join their cause.
