Amritsar Vikas Manch seeks government sponsored drive to root out Congress grass

AMRITSAR: Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) has demanded from Deputy Commission to launch a government sponsored campaign to eradicate congress grass (Parthenium Hysterochorus), Sukha (Canabis Sativa) and Bhang (Verbesina Prostrata) weeds which has grown on the road sides, farms, pastures and vacant land of the city and whole district. AVM held a meeting here on Friday under the presidentship of Kulwant Singh Ankhi.
Speaking on the occasion he said Congress grass was an invasive species in India and was kept in the list of noxious weeds. Its out break had been almost as epidemic which effects crop production, live stock and human health. This weed inhibits the fruit set process in brinjal, tomato and beans etc. This weed was also responsible for the production of bitter milk when eaten by the milking animals. It could also trigger pollen allergies in human beings. The pollen grains produced in abundant quantity from the flowers of this weed was also a cause of air pollution which was very dangerous for the patients of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases, he added.
Besides respiratory tract the pollen grains of this weed also causes skin problems. Along this weed Sukha and Bhang has also grown in abundant quantities. As per Ayurvada Sukha and Bhang has ‘Garm & Khushak Nature’ which effects badly the tissues of brain and other body parts. the metabolic rate of human body was increased which causes ailments and disease, when this weed was taken. It was also used as intoxicant by the drug addicts he said.
"So keeping in view the health of citizens and maintaining the quality of air which is already very polluted, these harmful and unpleasant weeds must be uprooted at the earliest possible. The best way to get rid of these noxious weeds is to uproot these as the soil is very soft and loose these rainy days " said Ankhi. He said upon drying these must be burnt otherwise their seeds would not destroy. Citizens of urban and rural areas may also be inspired to help in this noble cause besides utilizing the paid labour suggested he. In villages this work can be done under MNREGA scheme. Idle labour will get work and the environment will also be cleaned from these harmful weeds.