Description

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Context:

Rupankar Bhattacharjee and Aniket Dhar are transforming invasive water hyacinth into eco-friendly stationery at Kumbhi Kagaz in Guwahati, Assam.

Water Hyacinth's Journey in Assam:

Ecological Menace: ‘Terror of Bengal’

Native to South America, Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) was introduced as an ornamental plant during colonial times. It is now among the world’s most invasive aquatic species.
Thrive in nutrient-rich waters, it forms dense mats that:

Block sunlight
Deplete dissolved oxygen
Hamper fish populations
Impair ecological balance

In Assam, major water bodies like Deepor Beel (a Ramsar site) are heavily infested, creating ecological and navigational challenges.

About Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes):

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Family: Pontederiaceae)
Origin	South America
Introduced in India	During British colonial rule, as an ornamental plant
Habitat	Aquatic weeds found in ponds, lakes, and rivers across South Asia
Flowers	Attractive purple flowers with high aesthetic value
Environmental Impact	Invasive; clogs waterways and disrupts aquatic ecosystems
Uses	- Bio-fertilizer in organic agriculture - Phytoremediation (removes toxins & heavy metals from water)

Converting Weed into an Eco‑Product

Two young innovators, Rupankar Bhattacharjee (27) and Aniket Dhar (24), founded Kumbhi Kagaz Pvt Ltd in Guwahati. They’ve pioneered the production of chemical-free, tree-free handmade paper from water hyacinth.
“Kumbhi” derives from the Sanskrit jala kumbhi (“water hyacinth”).
The process: harvest → dry → pulp → hand‑press into sheets using only ~2 L water per A4 sheet (compared to 15–20 L in conventional paper).

Socio-Economic & Environmental Benefits

Eco‑restoration: Regular harvesting cleans water bodies and improves aquatic health.
Women empowerment: Factory jobs empower women like Moromi Hazowary in Kamrup, reducing migration and improving livelihoods.
Innovation success: Combines circular economy, low carbon footprint, and sustainable rural development.

ALSO READ- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/water-hyacinth-its-impact-on-ecosystems-and-water-quality

Source: The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements about Water Hyacinth is/are correct?

It is native to India and supports fish biodiversity.
It is used in Assam to produce handmade, eco-friendly paper.
It depletes oxygen levels in water bodies, affecting aquatic life.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Water hyacinth is native to South America, not India. It negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems but has been innovatively used in Assam for paper production.