Sir,

If you have a quick glance around your neighbourhood, chances are you will spot the dainty, white-flowered ‘congress grass’ creeping among the city’s lush green vegetation. Congress grass is a rather innocent name for the hazardous and highly allergic Parthenium hysterophorus plant.

What makes the Parthenium plant a real threat is its toxicity when humans/livestock come in contact with it. It also causes respiratory illness and allergic reactions like running nose when in full blooming season. Efforts to eradicate this weed and control its spread have happened in many neighbouring States but in vain.

During a pandemic such as COVID-19 which has respiratory issues marked as a severe symptom, the City Corporation’s steps towards curbing this weed’s growth may be highly significant. As public, we can also take the responsibility in raising awareness about this plant, identifying and ultimately taking the appropriate measures to destroy it.

After all, we are just trying to create a safer city and a better tomorrow.

– Sruthi Srinivasan, Bogadi, 4.8.2020

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