Environmentalists and conservation groups banded together to monitor and control some of the invasive species that adversely affect the biological diversity in the city. With the eighth International Biological Diversity (IDB) Day celebrated on Friday, environmentalists in the city conducted an awareness programme on how some natural species can affect the natural resources like water bodies. This was in keeping with this year’s international theme—Invasive alien species— as ascribed by the United Nations and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

As the city is reeling under the threat of high tides and a possible 26/7 like situation, environmentalists are taking their own steps to ensure an equitable bio-diverse environment in the city.

“Not many know that natural species like water hyacinths, ship rats and small parasites found in plenty in major water bodies are detrimental to the environment. These plants and animal species have an opposite effect on the environment,” said Elsie Gabrial, founder president of Young Environmentalists Programme Trust.

Keeping in mind these species are found aplenty in the Powai Lake, the residents in the area conducted a survey on the lake followed by cleaning the area around the lake with the help of the civic body on Friday. Their main purpose was to reduce the population of water hyacinths in the lake and remove the heap of garbage around it.

“Water hyacinths block waterways, decimates aquatic life and the lives of local people. They create ideal conditions for vector-borne diseases. Already, water hyacinths have invaded tropical habitats in the world spreading across more than 50 countries on five continents. The presence of ship rats and parasites in the lake has damaged the aquatic life,” said Gabrial.

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