PAU submits report on clearing weeds

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, June 23

The scientists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, have submitted a detailed study report to the Irrigation Department on measures to deal with aquatic weeds in drains and water bodies in the state.

If implemented, the alternate ways would save a lot of money and time for this annual task. Cleaning of drains is otherwise a gigantic task costing crores. The removal of weeds is possible with the help of herbicides, which do not cause harm to fishes or aquatic environment.

A senior official of the department said that they had paid nearly Rs 22 lakh to the varsity for a one-year study conducted from April, 2015 to March, 2016 under the leadership of principal investigator Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, senior agronomist, PAU.

Gurdial Singh, SE (Drainage), Gidderbaha, said, “We have got the report. If the suggestions are implemented, it can save a huge sum of money spent every year. Herbicides, which are presently not being used because of their perceived ill-effects could be used in the future as the report says that if a particular brand is used in a particular amount then it does not harm aquatic life”.

Courtesy: The Tribune