Prayargaj: A campaign was launched at Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) State University in Prayagraj on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday to eliminate Parthenium grass-a toxic white flower weed, which is considered an environmental menace. University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Akhilesh Kumar Singh, said students have initiated a drive to get rid of the campus of Parthenium grass by volunteering to clear the weed from the campus grounds.As part of the Environment Day celebrations, as many as 140 saplings were also planted on the campus. The ‘Remove Parthenium’ campaign was also launched in line with this year’s environmental theme.Professor NB Singh, who is leading the campaign, noted that the threat posed by Parthenium—an invasive weed also known as ‘carrot grass’—is steadily increasing. Originally arriving from America alongside wheat imports in 1950, Parthenium has since overrun 35 million hectares of farmland, pastures, and forests across the country. Wherever ‘Parthenium’ grows, it destroys native grass and herb species, such as ‘Doob’ (Bermuda grass), ‘Motha’ (nutgrass), and ‘Satavar’ (asparagus).The toxin ‘Parthenin,’ released from its roots, depletes the soil of nitrogen and phosphorus, rendering the land barren. It can reduce wheat and pulse yields by up to 40 percent.
