The Hindu : New Delhi News : `Grow more native plants, trees'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 09, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

`Grow more native plants, trees'

By Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI, JULY 8. The Delhi Environment and Forest Ministry and the Forest Department have finally got down to counting their "replanted'' trees. In an effort to evaluate the condition of the trees planted at various sites to make up for those axed due to various developmental works in the Capital, the Department has carried out a survey.

The first such extensive survey on replantation has been carried out at three sites -- Isapur, Bhatti Mines and Garhi Mandu. And the report has traced the growth, upkeep and the various practices followed at the forest plantation centres which, according to officials, is the surrogate green lungs of the city.

The survey has taken into account the planting done from 2000 to 2004 and besides looking at the health of the saplings and trees. It also takes note of the condition of the site, soil and water quality.

According to the report, at almost all the sites it has been noticed that there was a need to do a bit more homework on the kind of trees to be planted. It also pointed out that more native trees and plants should be planted and that the nature of the soil, water availability and site should be taken into consideration so that the life of the plant is improved.

Pointing to the site at Isapur where the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is involved in "compensation'' plantation, it has been noted that the site has highly alkaline soil and the water is very brackish. Also, it has just one tubewell which provides good water.

It has thus been suggested that appropriate and more diverse native species should be planted and also rare and neglected species should be given preference. Also, species which provide food and habitat for birds and have a good crown cover and give shade should be given preference.

Besides, it has recommended adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques and structures to enable full utilization of rainwater for plants and ground water recharge.

As for the condition of Bhatti Mines, the report says that the most important ecological role of the mines is water harvesting and recharging and that all actions (kind of plantations and other activities) intervention must be designed to enhance this.

The recommendation stated that the 100-odd depressions should become water reservoirs which will not only raise the water table in the mines but also the neighbouring areas.

The Garhi Mandu plantations site in 825 acres, according to the report, has a series of species that exists only on paper.

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