Babylon: The First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Adnan Faihan al-Dulaimi, has announced that the campaign to combat the water hyacinth is not a temporary or seasonal measure but marks the beginning of a sustained national plan aimed at eradicating this environmental scourge from Iraqi rivers. This initiative is being carried out in coordination with relevant government agencies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Faihan emphasized that the water hyacinth is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Iraq. It significantly depletes water resources, obstructs river and stream flow, and negatively impacts irrigation projects, fish stocks, and water treatment plants, especially during low water levels and high summer temperatures.

In a statement from his media office, Faihan highlighted the strong commitment of the Ministries of Water Resources and Environment to continue control and treatment operations until their objectives are fully realized. He praised the significant efforts of the participating ministries and institutions, as well as their technical and engineering staff. Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards the volunteer and youth teams that contributed to the campaign's success, stating that the integration of governmental and community efforts is crucial for protecting Iraq's water and environmental security.

The national campaign to eradicate the water hyacinth commenced today from Babylon Governorate, under Faihan's direct field supervision. It saw participation from the Minister of Environment, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, the Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna al-Tamimi, the Governor of Babylon, Ali Turki, and several members of parliament. The campaign extended to the governorates of Baghdad, Wasit, and Diwaniyah, involving a broad range of technical staff, specialized equipment, and volunteer and youth teams.