Government Action Against Exotic Invasive Plant Species

September 29, 2023

In recent years, Conocarpus, a fast-growing exotic mangrove species, had been widely used to enhance green cover in Gujarat. However, concerns have arisen over the environmental and health impacts of this non-indigenous plant, leading authorities to take action.

Controlling Conocarpus Growth

Research reports have indicated adverse effects of Conocarpus on the environment and human health. Conocarpus trees, which flower in winter, spread pollen, leading to health issues like cold, cough, asthma, and allergies. Additionally, their deep-rooted growth damages telecommunication lines, drainage systems, and freshwater networks. Moreover, Conocarpus leaves are unpalatable to plant-eating animals.

Delhi’s Battle Against Vilayati Kikar

In 2018, the Delhi government embarked on clearing the Central Ridge, Delhi’s green lungs, of Vilayati Kikar (Prosopis juliflora). Introduced by the British in the 1930s, this fast-growing tree became invasive, overpowering native trees like acacia, dhak, kadamb, amaltas, and flame-of-the-forest. This takeover had detrimental effects on the local fauna, depleting the water table and adversely impacting the ecosystem. In 2016, the Madras High Court also ordered the removal of these trees due to their negative impact on the water table.

To address the issue, Delhi is trimming the canopy of these trees to reduce water consumption and encourage sunlight to reach the ground. More native trees are being planted to suppress the growth of Vilayati Kikar.

Kerala’s Experience with Eucalyptus

In Kerala, the British introduced the Eucalyptus tree to Munnar for its wood, primarily used as fuel in tea plantation boilers. However, the cultivation of foreign invasive plants, including acacia, mangium, and eucalyptus, led to a reduction in available fodder in forests. This forced animals to venture into human settlements and farmlands, resulting in human-animal conflicts.

To address this, the Kerala state forest department ceased the cultivation of acacia and eucalyptus in forest areas in 2018. A study by The Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun and Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation in Kerala found that these foreign invasive plants had altered forest habitats and reduced the quality of fodder for wildlife, affecting the delicate ecological balance.

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