Date of Publication :9th October 2021

Abstract: Eichhornia crassipes, Water Hyacinths is among the world’s most noxious invasive weeds. Climatic and water conditions are the main determinant factors for the growth and expansion of water hyacinth. The weed has substantial negative impacts on the Powai lake (Mumbai India) hydrology, socioeconomics, and aquatic ecosystem causing it to shrink. The lessons for management of Powai Lake water hyacinth are employing preventive and integrated management approaches. Reducing pollutant loads and nutrient enrichment through integrated watershed management is suggested to reduce the Powai Lake eutrophication. The hyacinth has come to cover over half the 688-hectare, and along with the highly polluted silt settled on the lakebed is fast killing organisms. Awareness about the water pollution caused by the immersion of Ganesh idols made out of Plaster of Paris, in natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers and the sea is growing and both municipalities and communities are changing their mindset towards biodegradable idols. There are extensive records and examples of clay, bamboo and straw being used in ancient Indian idols made out of naturally occurring clay (shaadu in Marathi) which dissolve within hours of immersion in water, whereas pop idols may take anywhere between several months to fully dissolve. In addition, when chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves. AIM This paper will review the- Issues, sustainable development of Lake Agro waste focusing on Environment, Economy. -Use of recycling Water Hyacinths into Eco friendly Ganesha idols, Bio bricks and sustainable products/ fabric giving this agro waste economic value instead of being burnt in landfills emitting dangerous gases, after being transported usurping fuel and manpower. - Collection and recycling of the water hyacinths to prevent shrinking of the Powai Lake. - Saving the rich Biodiversity of Powai Lake and its fauna and flora. - Pollution/ climate change mitigation by stakeholders - Role of Community in the circular economy of water hyacinths (agro/ aquatic waste) Conclusion Every few years the government spends crores of rupees on cleaning the water body of water hyacinths only to leave it wasted at overloaded landfills. The Water Hyacinths at the Powai lake can be treated as aquatic Waste and be of economic value via eco-friendly bi-products, providing jobs in a post COVID-19 scenario and involving climate change mitigation outlining sustainable development of our water bodies.

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