Question

What was the cause of the terror of Bengal?

Answer 1

Water hyacinth is the cause of the terror of Bengal.

1. Eichhornia crassipes of the Potederiaceae family is found in aquatic habitat with long dark feathery roots.
2. Water hyacinth is generally free-floating and is perennial.
3. Water hyacinth was introduced in Bengal in 1884 due to its beautiful flowers and leaf shape.
4. Water hyacinth has negative effects when present in the freshwater environment. it grows rapidly on the surface of the water and is difficult to control.

The following are the reasons that it was considered the terror of Bengal:

1. Water hyacinth blocks the water bodies.
2. It reduces water biodiversity by invading native plants.
3. Water hyacinth blocks sunlight to enter the water.
4. It degrades the oxygen level of water by interfering with the air-water relationship and also increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) due to which underwater animals comes in danger.
5. It is an invasive weed and inhabits water bodies leading to the devastation of aquatic life.