Archive · 19 May 2025
Water Hyacinth Removal Not Permitted Under MGNREGA, Says Minister
Imagine there's a plant called water hyacinth that's taking over the water in a place called Kuttanad.
A politician wanted to use a program called MGNREGA, which provides jobs, to get rid of it.
However, the government said no because the rules of MGNREGA don't allow for this type of work.
The politician is unhappy because removing the plant could create jobs and help the environment.
He wants the government to change the rules to allow for these jobs.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated water hyacinth removal is not allowed under MGNREGA.
Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, requested the inclusion of water hyacinth removal in MGNREGA.
The Ministry cited legal constraints based on Schedule 1, Para 4(3) of the MGNREGA Act.
Suresh expressed disappointment, highlighting the ecological and livelihood challenges in Kuttanad.
Suresh urged the Centre to reconsider the guidelines and adopt a region-specific approach.
- Who
- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and MP Kodikunnil Suresh.
- What
- The removal of water hyacinth is not permissible under the MGNREGA.
- When
- The issue was recently addressed.
- Where
- Kuttanad region in Kerala
- Why
- Because the current MGNREGA guidelines do not permit such activities.
Government Stance
MP's Perspective
MGNREGA Guidelines
Government Stance
Removal of water hyacinth is not permissible under MGNREGA due to existing guidelines.
MP's Perspective
The guidelines should be reconsidered to allow for ecosystem restoration activities.
Employment Opportunities
Government Stance
The government's stance prevents providing employment opportunities for removing water hyacinth under MGNREGA.
MP's Perspective
Manual removal could provide sustainable employment to rural workers.
- Union Minister
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Requestor
- Kodikunnil Suresh, MP
- Program in Question
- MGNREGA
- Affected Area
- Kuttanad region in Kerala
- Issue
- Water hyacinth