Andhra Pradesh launches initiative to clear water hyacinth and revive water bodies

In a major step toward environmental restoration and sustainable development, the Andhra Pradesh government launched a large-scale mission to rejuvenate water bodies across the State while generating livelihood opportunities for women through innovative waste management practices.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, in a statement on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), said that wealth would be generated by producing organic manure from the hyacinth, under this initiative.

The initiative seeks to address the growing spread of water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed that has severely affected lakes, ponds and canals in both urban and rural areas. He said the unchecked growth of the weed has obstructed irrigation channels, degraded water quality, and disrupted aquatic ecosystems, posing challenges to agriculture and public health.

Adopting a mission-mode approach, the State government plans scientific removal of water hyacinth from identified water bodies across municipalities, villages, and irrigation networks. Multiple departments, including urban local bodies, rural development agencies and water resources authorities, are coordinating implementation to ensure effective execution, he said.

Unlike earlier drives focused solely on weed removal, the programme also targets the root causes of infestation. Authorities are introducing measures to prevent untreated sewage from entering lakes and ponds by establishing treatment systems, including conventional and nature-based solutions.

A major feature of the initiative is the conversion of removed biomass into value-added products. Women’s self-help groups will process harvested water hyacinth into organic compost, fibre products and handicrafts, creating new income opportunities.

Mr. Suresh Kumar said the programme is expected to improve groundwater recharge, enhance biodiversity and support irrigation, while also promoting sustainable livelihoods and community participation across the State.