Latest news with #Partheniumhysterophorus
Observer
14-07-2025
- Observer
GREEN SPACES AT RISK FROM OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Some phenomena continue to spoil the experience of enjoying the natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate throughout the year, particularly during the khareef season. One of the most damaging is the random passage of vehicles across green plains and mountain slopes. Protecting nature - especially vegetation - has become an urgent priority that requires collective effort. The benefits of preserving these green landscapes are universal, especially during khareef, when Dhofar transforms into one of the most verdant and captivating regions in the Arabian Peninsula. Adorned with a lush green blanket, the governorate draws thousands of visitors from within Oman and abroad. Dhofar Governorate alone is home to 900 species, representing 64 per cent of Oman's total flora. These plants flourish in areas blessed by seasonal rains, making the governorate especially attractive during khareef season. In response, the Dhofar Municipality has launched a project to protect these vital green spaces from uncontrolled vehicle traffic. This initiative underscores the Municipality's commitment to preserving one of the governorate's most important natural assets - its vegetation cover that spans mountains, plains and popular tourist spots. However, increased tourism and the widespread use of private vehicles in natural areas have given rise to serious threats. Irregular vehicle movements crush plants, damage root systems and disturb the soil structure, reducing its capacity to retain water and air-essential elements for plant growth. Over time, this leads to gradual vegetation loss, eventually transforming once-green areas into barren lands. The Nature Conservation Society, operating under the Environment Authority, has stepped up efforts to address this issue through an 'Awareness Initiative.' Key elements of this initiative include: Cooperation with authorities such as the Environment Authority, Dhofar Municipality, and Royal Oman Police to close dirt roads before khareef season begins. Educational outreach to residents and visitors on the importance of protecting green spaces. This involves distributing brochures, conducting biodiversity lectures and sharing multilingual awareness messages on social media. Combating invasive species like Parthenium hysterophorus and mesquite trees (Prosopis juliflora), which threaten native vegetation and biodiversity. Pest control efforts targeting harmful insects such as stem borers and termites that damage trees including baobab, wild figs (Ficus sycomorus), wild olives (Olea europaea) and frankincense (Boswellia sacra). Pruning and maintenance of perennial trees in cooperation with relevant agencies. The Society has also praised efforts to prohibit vehicle entry into green spaces and establish designated parking areas along roadsides. Vegetation is the backbone of ecological systems, stabilising soil against erosion, enriching it, purifying the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. It also plays a key role in moderating temperatures, promoting rainfall through transpiration and shielding the Earth's surface from excessive heat. Despite active measures by the Municipality, Environment Authority, police and conservation groups, the phenomenon of vehicle-induced damage persists - sometimes due to ignorance, lack of enforcement, or deliberate violations. As khareef season returns, community involvement is crucial. Highlighting these issues is not meant to generalise or blame all visitors, but to encourage a deeper sense of responsibility and shared stewardship for Dhofar's green treasures.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
2 Makum teachers take on toxic weeds as authorities remain silent
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: Two schoolteachers from Makum in Tinsukia district have taken it upon themselves to combat the growing menace of toxic Parthenium plants. With machetes and a banner reading "Remove Parthenium, Restore Nature", Manjit Thakur, headmaster of Dhola Hahkhati High School, and Utpal Baruah, headmaster of Bajaloni ME School, have been clearing the invasive weed along the Makum-Digboi Road while educating locals on its dangers. Despite the rapid spread of the hazardous plant across Makum — including near the Railway High School and residential areas around the railway station — the Makum Municipal Board has taken no action. Frustrated by the authorities' inaction, the two educators have used their free time to manually remove the weed and spread awareness. Parthenium hysterophorus, also known as Congress grass or carrot weed, is an invasive species that poses significant health and environmental risks. Its pollen can trigger severe asthma attacks, while skin contact may cause painful rashes and blistering. The plant is particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions. In agricultural areas, it competes with crops for nutrients and light, reducing yield. It also suppresses native vegetation, threatening biodiversity. "The spread of Parthenium in Makum has reached alarming levels. If not tackled now, it will endanger both human health and agriculture," said Thakur. "Many people don't realise how harmful this plant is. It spreads rapidly and will soon overrun our fields and roadsides if left unchecked. If our efforts prompt even a few people to act or raise official attention, we'll consider it a success," he added. While continuing their grassroots drive, the teachers have called on authorities to launch a large-scale eradication campaign. "As educators, our duty goes beyond the classroom. We're committed to protecting the environment and raising public awareness," said Baruah. "Manual removal is just a temporary fix. The govt must allocate funds and deploy manpower to address this issue effectively," he added. Local residents have echoed their concerns, expressing growing frustration over the lack of official response. "These plants are everywhere — near our homes, where children play, along our roads. We deeply appreciate what the teachers are doing, but this is the municipality's responsibility. Proper resources and coordination are needed," said social worker Binod Gogoi. Despite the scale of the problem, the two educators remain undeterred. They carry out their cleanup mission on weekends and after school hours — setting a powerful example of civic duty that has inspired others in the community to join their cause.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Harmful alien plant species removed by SANParks Honorary Rangers
The biodiversity of the Kruger National Park (KNP) faces a serious threat from invasive alien plant species that are not indigenous to the region and have been introduced either intentionally or accidentally. These plants, also referred to as exotic, non-native, or foreign species, include well-known invaders such as lantana (Lantana camara), paraffin weed (Chromolaena odorata), queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru), prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), pompom weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum), Mauritius thorn (Caesalpinia decapetala) and slender potato creeper (Solanum seaforthianum.) ALSO READ: Youth Forum plants indigenous trees in White River To combat this, the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) in the Lowveld region co-ordinate regular hack duties that are volunteer-driven operations focused on removing these plants from affected areas in the park. The hack operations are physically demanding and form a continuous part of conservation efforts. Amelda Obermeyer, the SHR hack co-ordinator in the Lowveld region, says: 'We employ several methods for invasive plant removal, including mechanical control, which involves physically cutting or uprooting the plants, often followed by the application of approved herbicides to prevent regrowth. With biological control, natural enemies such as the cochineal insect (Dactylopius opuntiae), which targets specific plant species like the prickly pear and queen of the night, are used.' In May 2025, the team had a successful hack at Nkambeni Safari Camp and Mdluli Safari Lodge. A total of 14 dedicated volunteers from six different SHR regions took part. During this effort, over 2 000 lantana plants and 600 paraffin weed plants were eradicated. Events like the upcoming open-air performance by the renowned Ndlovu Youth Choir, under the stars in the Kruger National Park, are essential for fundraising. ALSO READ: Experience the magic of Ndlovu Youth Choir under the stars at Kruger Concert for Conservation The event on June 13 promises to be an unforgettable evening. There are limited exclusive overnight glamping packages available at Nkambeni Safari Camp. The cost is R2 550 per person sharing and R2 950 per single person, which includes bed and breakfast, concert tickets with a harvest table and a glass of wine, a return shuttle with a game drive experience and conservation fees. Bookings can be made with Linda Pieters at lowveldfundraising@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
