Recommendations for Afforestation: Focus on Indigenous Species and Ban on Harmful Exotics

Recommendations for Afforestation: Focus on Indigenous Species and Ban on Harmful Exotics

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

The Forest Department’s recent advisory emphasizes enhancing green cover by promoting the planting of indigenous plant species and discontinuing the use of three exotic species deemed harmful. This move is part of a broader effort to improve environmental health and maintain ecological balance.

Key Recommendations and Advisory

1. Afforestation Goals

• Objective: Increase green cover to exceed 33% of the state’s geographical area.
• Approach: Focus on planting indigenous tree species that are better suited to local conditions.

2. Ban on Harmful Exotic Species

• Species Targeted:
  • Conocarpus erectus (Buttonwood Mangrove): Controversial due to alleged negative effects on groundwater and human health.
  • Alstonia scholaris (Devil’s Tree): Known for its robust growth but associated with gastrointestinal issues and other ailments.
  • Terminalia mantaly (Umbrella Tree/Madagascar Almond): Expensive to maintain and vulnerable in cyclone-prone areas.
• Rationale: These species have more ornamental value than functional benefits and pose various risks to health and the environment.

Focus on Indigenous Plant Species

Recommended Species

Azadirachta indica (Neem)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: Throughout India, Southeast Asia
• Characteristics: Known for its medicinal properties, used in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide. Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

• Native: Africa, but cultivated widely in tropical regions
• Majorly Found: India, Southeast Asia, and tropical regions worldwide
• Characteristics: Provides edible fruit and shade. The fruit is used in culinary dishes and traditional medicine.

Ficus bengalensis (Banyan)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Characteristics: Known for its aerial roots and large canopy. Important for its ecological role in providing habitat and stabilizing soil.

Ficus religiosa (Peepal)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
• Characteristics: Sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Has significant health benefits and is used in traditional medicine.

Pongamia pinnata (Pongam)

• Native: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
• Majorly Found: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Characteristics: Provides oil used in biodiesel and traditional medicine. Beneficial for reforestation and erosion control.

Millingtonia hortensis (Tuba)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
• Characteristics: Known for its fragrant flowers and ecological benefits. Often used in ornamental landscaping.

Mimusops elengi (Pogada)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
• Characteristics: Provides edible fruit and shade. The tree is valued for its medicinal properties and ornamental use.

Syzygium cumini (Jamun)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Characteristics: Known for its dark purple fruit with health benefits, including antidiabetic properties. Commonly used in traditional medicine.

Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Characteristics: Valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating cardiovascular diseases. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Mangifera indica (Mango)

• Native: Indian subcontinent
• Majorly Found: India, Southeast Asia
• Characteristics: Fruit-bearing tree known for its sweet, edible fruit. Culturally significant and economically important in tropical regions.

Controversial Plant Species

Conocarpus erectus (Buttonwood Mangrove)

• Growth Characteristics: Rapid-growing, thrives in saline environments.
• Ecological Impact: Often planted for its adaptability and ornamental value but criticized for potential groundwater depletion.
• Health Concerns: Alleged to cause respiratory issues, cold, cough, and allergies during winters.
• Legal Status: Currently the subject of a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning its environmental impact.

Alstonia scholaris (Devil’s Tree)

• Growth Characteristics: Robust and fast-growing, often used for shade.
• Toxic Effects: Contains alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal irritations and other health issues.
• Uses: Historically valued for its medicinal properties and timber, but health risks have led to concerns.
• Maintenance Issues: Less suitable for areas with high human activity due to its toxic nature.

Terminalia mantaly (Umbrella Tree/Madagascar Almond)

• Growth Characteristics: Ornamental tree with a broad canopy, often used in landscaping.
• Maintenance: Expensive to maintain due to high water and nutrient needs.
• Cyclone Vulnerability: Susceptible to damage in cyclone-prone regions, making it less ideal for such areas.
• Uses: Valued for its decorative appeal but less functional as a shade tree compared to other species.