Indore is intensifying a crucial battle to protect its prized Sirpur Lake, an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland site, from a severe and persistent invasion of water hyacinth. This ecological threat is primarily fueled by untreated sewage flowing into the water body from surrounding human settlements.
The Scale of the Invasion
Senior officials from the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) have revealed the alarming extent of the problem. The invasive water hyacinth has choked approximately 40% of Chhota Sirpur lake. This rapid growth is directly linked to the untreated sewage entering from large neighbouring settlements. The larger counterpart, Bada Sirpur, also faces a similar, though currently smaller, challenge due to sewage discharge from the nearby Baank panchayat.
The proliferation of this invasive species poses a major threat to the ecological balance and biodiversity of the entire two-lake system. It depletes oxygen levels, blocks sunlight, and disrupts aquatic life, jeopardising the very characteristics that earned the site its prestigious Ramsar status.
A Multi-Pronged Rescue Strategy
To combat this environmental crisis, the civic body is deploying a synchronised strategy. The cornerstone of this plan is the accelerated commissioning of a new 20-MLD (Million Litres per Day) sewage treatment plant (STP) near Sirpur Lake. This facility will utilise sequencing batch reactor technology and is projected to be fully operational by February next year.
Beyond the major infrastructure project, the IMC has proposed complementary measures to purify the water body. These include:
- Phytoremediation: Using specific plants to absorb and break down pollutants naturally.
- Aerators: Installing devices to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water, improving its health.
Simultaneously, the administration is engaging with the Indore zila panchayat to find a permanent solution to stop sewage discharge from Baank panchayat into Bada Sirpur, addressing the problem at its source.
The Ultimate Goal: Preserving International Status
All these concerted efforts are laser-focused on one critical objective: fulfilling the necessary criteria to maintain Sirpur Lake's international Ramsar wetland status. Resolving the pervasive issue of water hyacinth, driven by sewage inflow, is central to this mission. The success of these measures will determine the future health of this vital urban wetland and its rich biodiversity.
