World's fastest growing acquatic weed, Water Hyacinth has returned back in the River Sal along the water course between Khareband and Benaulim. Known to multiply within days, weed has spread across the river, especially along the water course from Mungul to Benaulim. A look at the river course from the Khareband bridge would make any stranger to believe that the river has run dry and instead replaced by a green agricultural cover. The last time the weed was removed from the river was around half a decade ago during the de-silting of the river. However, the weed has made its presence felt again and the concerned authorities are groping in the dark over its removal from the river. Officials of the agricultural department told Herald it comes into play if the weed is found affecting agricultural fields. "We provided help to the farmers to remove the weed from the farms and water bodies', he said, adding that it's purely for other authorities such as the local Civic body or the Water Resources department to take up the issue. Agricultural officials informed that the water bodies, including ponds and lakes may be affected on a massive scale if the spread of the weed is not arrested immediately. It is believed that the weed affects acquatic life if its growth is left unchecked, as its huge leaves affects sunlight. Moreover, the spread of the weed also hamper navigation in large water bodies.