Lantana weed curbs growth of medicinal plants
GADAG: Lantana weed, which is rapidly growing in Kappatagudda hills, has become a serious concern in Gadag. Locals share that Lantana was never seen in the hills a decade ago but started spreading in the last 4-5 years. Environment activists note that the weed is preventing growth of medicinal plant
By Sangamesh Menasinakai
GADAG: Lantana weed, which is rapidly growing in Kappatagudda hills, has become a serious concern in Gadag.
Locals share that Lantana was never seen in the hills a decade ago but started spreading in the last 4-5 years.
Environment activists note that the weed is preventing growth of medicinal plants, flora and fauna.
They worry that the weed may grab all plants in the hills in the next decade.
They urge the forest department to curb the weed.Shivakumar Swami, Nandiveri Samsthan Mutt, Kappatagudda, told TOI that Kappatagudda is now witnessing good growth of sandalwood trees as human intervention is decreased after it was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 2019. "These trees are attracting more birds and by this vegetation is enhancing.
However, lantana is curbing growth of original vegetation.
It has taken over another weed parthenium which is now decreased.
Forest department, which has successfully curbed this weed at BR Hills and Bannerghatta, should also curb it here on priority.
Lantana is emerging as a threat to the existence of Kappatagudda Hills itself.Department should take up the documentation, conservation, cultivation and research to retain the flora and fauna of the region.
It should set a biological garden here to protect about 80,000 acres of hill area," he pressed.Bhalachandra Jabshetti, convenor, Kappatagudda Nandiveri Eco Life, pressed for eradication of the weed on war foot. "Its leaves can be used as pesticide in organic farming.
Forest department should launch a mega project to minimise its dominance.
It can also earn by making its pesticide," he suggested.Environmental writer P Ananda Teertha Pyati noted that lantana can also be used for furniture. "It's called as 'sundari' (beauty) in some districts in the state.
However, it grows rapidly curbing vegetation.
Forest department can create livelihood for rural women by training them to make trays, pen stands, decorative items, and bamboo furniture.
An organisation has done it at HD Kote and same can be implemented in Kappatagudda too," he commented.Vishwanath Khanapur, president, Gadag Jilla Vikas Vedike, said that visitors to the hills are forced to see only lantana everywhere and parthenium here and there. "If the weed is not controlled, the hill may turn hub of weed in a decade," he expressed.When contacted, Santosh Kumar Kenchappanavar, DCF, Gadag division, said that the forest has good vegetation on peak of the hills. "Lantana is majorly seen at foothill.
We have added it in management plan and have discussed about it with 2-3 agencies.
We have a model experimented at Nagarhole, Bandipur reserved forests and discussing with 2-3 companies to get CSR funds to curb it.
Once we prepare a plan, we will remove the weed and develop grassland across the hill," he assured.Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
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