Reported by Sasanka Talukdar
Bajali: Suspected parthenium weeds growing along stretches of National Highway-27 in Assam’s Bajali district have raised concerns among residents over possible health and environmental hazards.
The weeds are reportedly blooming along both sides of the highway, prompting fears of respiratory ailments, allergies and skin diseases if the plants are confirmed to be parthenium — an invasive species known to pose health risks and threaten ecological balance.
Residents and environmentalists said the weed has spread rapidly in the area in recent weeks. They noted that parthenium infestation has already affected several parts of Assam in recent years, damaging native grass varieties and disrupting local ecosystems.
The concern comes amid ongoing beautification work along the highway corridor, where fruit-bearing trees and ornamental flowering plants have been planted by authorities.
Locals have urged the authorities to immediately verify whether the plants are indeed parthenium and initiate removal measures before the weeds spread further through seed dispersal.
They said timely intervention was necessary to contain the spread of the suspected invasive species and minimise potential health risks.