Latest news with #Prosopis
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Telangana State Agricultural University creates a gene bank to preserve local wild plant varieties
Hyderabad: By redeveloping the botanical garden on the campus, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) aims to create a gene bank of local varieties of wild fruits and flowers. Officials said they are planting many local varieties, including 'jitregi' (Bombay blackwood), 'bandaru' (hop bush tree), 'somi' ('Prosopis cineraria'), 'kanuka' (Indian beech or pongamia), which are close to extinction or not easily available even in the forests of Telangana. They said the project has been taken up to ensure that all these seeds will be available at one place even after hundreds of years. 'Many of these forest plants are not easily available. Further, it is very difficult to grow these plants in nurseries. So, there is a chance that seeds of these plants, which are already close to extinction, might not be available at all in the future. To make sure that such a situation does not arise, we are creating a gene bank or germplasm bank,' Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), director (urban forestry) VSNV Prasad told TOI. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He said that once a gene bank is created, they would be able to propagate a plant either by using its seed or through tissue culture after 10, 15 or even a 100 years down the line. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo On Monday, as part of the inaugural of Vana Mahotsavam at PJTSAU campus, 2,200 trees were planted on five acres at the botanical garden of the agriculture university. While the chief minister, who inaugurated the programme, planted a rudraksha tree, 'marri' (banyan), 'raavi' (peepul or sacred fig), 'juvvi' (white fig tree), and 'pogada' (Spanish cherry tree) among other saplings were planted on the campus. Officials said HMDA would be planting local saplings in 150 acres on the campus. The project would be carried out throughout the year. 'The varsity has already given a contract to cut down eucalyptus and subabul trees on campus, spread over 150 acres of land. As and when they hand over a parcel of land to us, we will be planting saplings. However, we have to start planting from interiors to peripheral land so that saplings are not disturbed by the movement of trucks or other vehicles once they are planted,' Prasad added. PJTSAU vice-chancellor Aldas Janaiah said that efforts were on to give a new lease of life to the botanical garden on the campus, which has been neglected in the last 10 to 15 years.
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Dindigul readers mail
Parking issues The parking stand, located in front of the Gandhi Vegetable Wholesale Market in Dindigul, is now filled with a mixture of stagnant hill runoff and drainage water, making it difficult for vehicles to park and causing traffic issues. Over 1,000 sellers and buyers use this place daily. It is surrounded by the Perumal Temple, Kumaran Park, and Mariamman Temple. The present condition causes inconvenience to the public, especially during peak hours and festival times. I kindly urge the Dindigul Corporation to ensure that the parking area is maintained properly and that drainage water does not stagnate, particularly during monsoon. P. Ravichandran, Dindigul Improper functioning The bathing tank in front of Thiruppachethi police station has not been functioning properly for the last two months. So I request that the concerned authority ensure that the bathing tank is maintained properly and take steps to repair the motor in the bathing tank. S. Saravanakumar, Thiruppachethi Prosopis juliflora - 'Karuvelam Maram' menace The rapid growth of Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as Karuvela Maram, in and around Ramanathapuram, particularly in the Big Tank area, poses a significant threat to the region's water resources and agricultural sector. This invasive species absorbs large amounts of water, reducing the ground water table and affecting the surrounding ecosystem. The tree's roots and leaves make the soil less fertile. Though the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court suggested to remove these trees, there is a lack of attention from local authorities. Therefore, the local authority, agricultural experts, and other stakeholders should work together to implement effective measures to address this issue. A. Rajamanickam, Ramanathapuram Unhygienic environment The improper drainage system near the gates of the DD Vinayagar Higher Secondary School at Melur Road, Velipattinam, Ramanthapuram has been found for a long time and causes trouble not only to the students, but also to the common people in the neighbourhood. Such unclean and foul-smelling environments are likely to cause harmful diseases. The concerned authorities of the school and the district administration are requested to take measures to ensure a clean environment for the school inmates at the earliest. S. Sruthi, Ramanthapuram
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Thoothukudi's green initiatives; Man-made forest, park revivals and global partnerships
Thoothukudi city, long known for its industries and scorching temperatures is now undergoing the transformation with a focus on developing green covers across the possible places in the city. The Thoothukudi Corporation is actively promoting this green initiative through tree plantation drives and park restoration projects. A significant effort in this initiative includes the development of man-made forest at the Tharuvaikulam dumping yard for the past six years. The corporation owns around 578 acres along the Tharuvaikulam road, which has been utilized for waste dumping, since the time the city was classified under Municipality limits. Other than the mountain's bio and non-biodegradable wastes at the site ,the remaining area was overgrown with Prosopis juliflora and thick bushes. At this juncture, to reclaim and transform this space, the corporation has begun clearing the invasive vegetation and is working to establish a man made forest in the region. This initiative began in 2019, with two acres of land chosen for the pilot project. Through bio mining, the dumped waste was removed and the land was prepared for planting trees. Initially 2,000 tree saplings were planted in the area on a trial basis. Although the project faced a setback in 2021 due to shortage of water, the Corporation revived the nearby sewage treatment and used the treated water to support the plants. By 2024, the corporation has planted around 1.5 lakh trees in various phases, including occasions such as Chief Minister's birthday and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. Currently two private firms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thoothukudi corporation, one firm has committed to planting trees across 100 acres, while other will cover 25 acres of land. Tree species such as neem, Manila tamarind (Kodukkapuli), pungan, guava and others were planted at the site. In addition, the corporation has also partnered with the UK government for the project 'PACT-Digi-PULSE' advancing Carbon-Neutral Transitions using Digital-Twin Based planning for URban Living and Sustainable Environment. The project led by IIT-Madras with consortium partners will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emission, enhancing climate resilience and creating a replicable model for sustainable urban planning and mobility. Another major green initiative of the Thoothukudi corporation includes the restoration of city parks. Of the total 206 park sites, only 57 are currently in public use. The corporation is working on developing mini forest in the park spaces, particularly focusing on wards 16,17 and 18. Speaking about the initiatives, Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy stated that the city's green projects will bring long term environmental benefits as we are focusing on the plants producing high levels of oxygen. He emphasised the significance of 'PACT-Digi-PULSE' project and noted that an expert team had recently arrived in the city for assessment, a step that would support better urban planning in future.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Haryana aims to rejuvenate 37k hectares of its Aravali region
Gurgaon: Haryana unveiled a comprehensive forest landscape restoration (FLR) initiative on Tuesday to mark World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The four Aravali states participated in a workshop in Jodhpur to unveil this plan, which aimed to restore the degraded Aravalis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This multi-faceted plan by Haryana aims to rejuvenate 37,017 hectares of its Aravali region, where 69.5% of the degraded area is classified as forest land, followed by 13.2% scrubland and 17.3% degraded agriculture land, according to the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC). The core strategy involves the systematic uprooting of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora, followed by the mixed plantation of indigenous Aravali species. The initiative aims for the plantation of 1,000 plants per hectare, with three plants per trench. Plus, seeding in patches of Aravali species will be done in equal numbers, and bamboos will be planted in areas with good soil depth where continuous contour trenching is feasible. The restoration process includes "scattered pit plantation" or "contour trench plantation" on hilly terrains, and the model is based on natural processes, and rainwater will be conserved in situ with indigenous Aravalli and arid region species comprising 25% of the total plants. "The restoration efforts will be meticulously aligned with existing schemes from multiple ministries, operating under a convergent governance model. This will involve oversight by district collectors and coordination through inter-departmental committees, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach. We will be developing strategies for five Aravalis districts for year-long plans. The plan was discussed in Jodhpur today where the nodal officer for Haryana showcased the plan," Haryana's principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Vineet Kumar Garg, told TOI. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joint forest management committees (JFMCs), self-help groups (SHGs), and watershed committees will be a part of the plan with participatory rural appraisals (PRA), detailed mapping exercises, and micro-watershed delineation. Among the state's Aravali districts, Gurgaon has been worst affected by the environmental crisis, accounting for 13,935 hectares (78.6%) of degraded land, 2,322 hectares (13.1%) of scrub, and 1,464 hectares (8.3%) of degraded agricultural land.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers request Udhayanidhi to order removal of all seemai karuvelam trees from Vaigai
Appealing to Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin to help remove seemai karuvelam trees (Prosopis juliflora) in the Vaigai river completely, farmers urged him to expedite ongoing 'anicut' work at Tirupuvanam Pudur at a cost of ₹40.27 crore. Mr. Udayanidhi, who was on a visit to Sivaganga district to review ongoing development works, was accorded a warm reception by Minister K.R. Periakaruppan, District Collector Asha Ajith, MLA Tamilarasi and officials of the Water Resources Department, led by Superintending Engineer Thangaraj and Executive Engineer Ramesh. The Deputy CM inspected Tirupuvanam Pudur anicut work which will provide water for irrigation to tail-end areas. After the farmers flagged the problems faced by them in getting water due to rampant sand mining in the river and other issues, the government had earmarked ₹40.27 crore for the construction of the 'anicut'. This, according to the engineers, will provide water to around 7,000 acres of cultivable land from Tirupuvanam to Kanur canal and Pazhayanoor canal, which feed about 20 tanks. Ayacut Vaigai Pasana Sangam State general secretary Adimoolam appealed to the Deputy CM to order removal of seemai karuvelam trees on a war footing. These trees had not only hindered the free flow of water in the river, but also affected the eco-system, he stressed. Visits sports hostel Later, Mr. Udayanidhi visited the sports hostel at the District Sports Stadium and tasted the food served to the boys there. He also sat along with them and interacted with them over lunch. Mr. Udayanidhi listened to the boys' grievances and posed for group photographs. Some of them were eager to take selfies with him and he readily obliged. District Sports Officer Ramesh Kanna explained the facilities available in the hostel. The Deputy CM then presided over a meeting, in which Ms. Asha Ajith explained various completed and ongoing projects in the district. Appreciating the district officials from multiple departments, Mr. Udayanidhi said the government had delivered its promises in the last four years. Still, he admitted that there might be expectations from the people and appealed to the officials to bring them (petitions) to the elected representatives for implementation. Additional Chief Secretary Pradeep Yadav, Additional Secretary R.V. Shajeevana, senior officials from various departments presented the status of the works at the meeting. The Deputy CM handed over welfare assistance to the tune of ₹24.24 crore to 1,512 beneficiaries on the occasion, according to a press release.
