Guwahati, May 22 -- Reported by Sasanka Talukdar

Bajali: Suspected parthenium weeds growing along stretches of National Highway-27 in Assam's Bajali district have raised concerns among residents over possible health and environmental hazards.

The weeds are reportedly blooming along both sides of the highway, prompting fears of respiratory ailments, allergies and skin diseases if the plants are confirmed to be parthenium - an invasive species known to pose health risks and threaten ecological balance.

Residents and environmentalists said the weed has spread rapidly in the area in recent weeks. They noted that parthenium infestation has already affected several parts of Assam in recent years, damaging native grass varieties and disruptin...