Latest news with #Prosopisjuliflora
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Lesser Florican faces near extinction in Raj grasslands
Jaipur: Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), once a vibrant emblem of Rajasthan's monsoon grasslands, has now almost vanished from its core breeding grounds in Ajmer, Kekri and Shahpura. This breeding season, wildlife researchers found only a single male, a steep fall from five in 2024 and 39 in 2020, signalling a catastrophic 97% decline in the wild. A recent landscape survey by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) confirmed the grim numbers. The lone male, belonging to the smallest member of the bustard family and locally called Kharmor, was spotted near Bandanwara. "The situation is alarming. These endemic birds return to Rajasthan every monsoon to breed, usually arriving by late June after crops are sown. This year, only one was recorded," said BNHS researcher and wildlife scientist Sujit Narwade. In 2023, the forest department declared a 931-hectare conservation reserve in Arwar village, Ajmer, for the Lesser Florican — one of four bustard species in India, all on the IUCN Red List. However, local birdwatcher Balveer Singh said, "No effort has been made to remove Prosopis juliflora or restore grasslands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo The area remains unprotected, with free-ranging dogs and heavy grazing continuing." Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the Lesser Florican is a birdwatcher's delight. During the monsoon breeding season, males sport striking plumage and leap up to two metres in the air, producing a frog-like rattle heard 300–400 metres away to court females. Historically, the bird's breeding and non-breeding habitats were semi-arid grasslands. Today, invasive shrubs have overtaken much of this land, making it unsuitable. Experts warn that Rajasthan still has about 5,000 hectares of pastureland in this region, and timely restoration could benefit conservation. Shrinking grasslands due to agriculture, mining and overgrazing have forced the species to adapt to farmlands, coexisting with local communities. Yet, pesticides have turned these unprotected agropastoral areas into unsafe breeding zones. IUCN member Dau Lal Bohra said , "The proposal to declare certain lands as Biodiversity Sites allowing regulated agriculture while protecting the birds remains stalled," he said. With this, future of forest department's conservation breeding programme at Shokaliya, Ajmer, in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India, also looks bleak as the wild population teeters on the brink. "In two years, 11 eggs have hatched successfully — but with numbers in the wild at rock bottom, the survival of this grassland dancer remains uncertain," said a forest official. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
₹77.17 lakh allotted for horticulture crops development in Virudhunagar district
The Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops has allocated ₹77.17 lakh to Virudhunagar district for promoting horticulture crops, including increasing the area of its cultivation under the State Horticulture Development scheme. In a statement, Collector N.O. Sukhaputra has said the funds would be utilised to increase the area of cultivation of traditional vegetables, chilly, coconut and flowers. A subsidy of ₹24,000 per hectare will be given for growing traditional vegetables. It would be extended to 45 ha for which ₹10.80 lakh has been allotted. Similarly, the subsidy for chilli and coconut is ₹12,000 each. The proposal to extend the coverage of cultivation of chilli and coconut is 10 ha each for which a total of ₹24 lakh has been allotted for the district. The proposal for increase in coverage of flowers is 75 acres and the subsidy is ₹9 lakh at the rate of ₹12,000 per ha. The total subsidy meant for increasing the cultivation of these crops is ₹43.80 lakh. Besides, the department has planned to encourage terrace garden in houses. Terrace garden kits will be distributed with a 50% subsidy to 300 for which ₹1.35 lakh has been allocated. The cost of each kit is ₹900 and the subsidy will be 450, the Collector said. Another component of subsidy is to increase the coverage of chilli cultivation by removing the wild growth of Prosopis juliflora. Under the scheme, 50% subsidy of ₹5,000 per ha. will be given to 100 hectares for which ₹5 lakh has been earmarked. A sum of ₹26.62 lakh has been allotted for containing white fly attack in coconut trees. A 50% subsidy of ₹1,775 per hectare will be given to 1,500 hectares. Interested farmers can register themselves for getting the subsidy through or through Uzhavan app. They can also approach the block Assistant Director (Horticulture), the Collector said.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
750-acre forest to breathe life into Gurgaon air
Gurgaon: In a move to combat urban environmental challenges, the city is set to host one of NCR's largest urban forest projects. The 750-acre 'Matri Van' along Gurgaon-Faridabad Road will serve as a green buffer, combining ecological conservation with public recreation spaces. The project, launched under the govt's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, will span five villages — Chakkarpur, Haiderpur Viran, Wazirabad, Ghata, and Nathupur. It will extend from Khushboo Chowk to Ghat Chowk, connecting with the existing Aravali Biodiversity Park and Nagar Van on the Chakkarpur hill belt. Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav and the minister for housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the project in Sector 54 on Saturday. The forest will be developed through partnerships between CSR entities, RWAs, NGOs, multinationals, and govt bodies. While plantation of saplings will start within a week, it will continue for the next five years. The result, according to officials, will be visible in a week. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The project, officials said, will focus on native flora. The plantation drive will feature indigenous species like bargad, peepal, gullar, and Aravali-specific trees such as dhauk, kullu, and khairi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Themed spaces, including Bodhi Vatika, Medicinal Plant Grove, and a butterfly park, will add to the forest's diversity. "We're not just planting saplings. We're dedicating an entire forest to mothers," said Yadav, adding that invasive Prosopis juliflora shrubs would be removed to revive degraded forest patches. The project's design will incorporate sustainable features like water conservation through recycling and misting systems. Public amenities will include walking tracks, yoga zones, and forest interpretation signage, with 10 thatched huts planned as interim rest points. An Aravalli Arboretum — a botanical garden-like zone focused on showcasing native flora — will serve as an educational zone, featuring specialised corners for research and learning. "Cities like Gurgaon are choking on concrete. Urban forests such as 'Matri Van' don't just improve air quality and water retention — they also provide people with access to nature," said Anand Mohan Sharan, additional chief secretary of environment, Haryana. During the inauguration, minister Khattar highlighted that urban forests helped cool city temperatures, reduce air pollutants, support groundwater recharge, and served as carbon sinks. "India has committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂, equivalent by 2030 through afforestation. Projects like Matri Van are expected to play a significant role in achieving that target," he added. The project's funding combines multiple sources, including Rs 7.5 crore from development and CSR partners, Rs 2.5 crore from govt agencies, and additional allocations from various schemes, totalling Rs 14.7 crore. An extra Rs 10 crore could be sought from central govt schemes, officials suggested. "The plantation drive will be phased. The company assigned the project will have to maintain it for three years," said Subhash Yadav, the chief conservator of forests in South Haryana. Once complete, 'Matri Van' will be one of the largest consolidated green zones of Delhi-NCR, designed not only for ecological restoration but also as a public space for learning, leisure, and climate resilience. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Residents complain about rise in invasive species of trees in vacant plots
Residents have complained about a rise in invasive species of trees and shrubs in vacant plots and government lands, augmenting the breeding grounds of rats and snakes in residential areas. Residents have complained about GCC officials' reluctance to clear the invasive trees and shrubs, particularly Prosopis juliflora from vacant plots. Mugalivakkam resident K.S. Kannan said they had requested Chennai Corporation officials to remove the invasive trees and shrubs including Prosopis juliflora because of the rise in number of rats and snakes in the residential area. 'In ward 156, Mugalivakkam, Mettukuppam, AGR Garden, snakes have increased in the past few months because of the growth of Prosopis juliflora. We requested the Chennai Corporation officials to clear the Prosopis juliflora. But they refused,' said Mr. Kannan. Ward 35 councillor S. Jeevan said the fire and rescue services rescued a cobra from a residential area a few days ago in a piece of land where invasive trees have increased in Muttamizh Nagar, because the Metrowater officials failed to clear the land. 'We have requested the metrowater officials to clear the invasive trees after residents complained that the breeding of snakes and rats was rising. Nine parcels of land belonging to metrowater have to be cleared in my ward to control rats and snakes. I spoke about Prosopis juliflora in parcels of government land near Basin Bridge, along the Buckingham Canal. People are dumping construction debris and solid waste in the area. During the Chennai Corporation Council meeting last year, I complained about the growth of invasive species of trees in a parcel of land near a dilapidated EB Quarters. The Mayor ordered the Regional Deputy Commissioner to clear the area. But the officials have not cleared it,' said Mr. Jeevan. Councillors and residents have stressed the need for a mass cleaning drive to clear such invasive species in all zones to prevent breeding of rats and snakes in residential areas. Residents in suburban areas have also complained about the growth of Prosopis juliflora in vacant plots of lands. Tracing the owners of the vacant plots of land will be done with support from the Registration Department, Revenue Department and local bodies, officials said.
Observer
14-07-2025
- Observer
GREEN SPACES AT RISK FROM OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Some phenomena continue to spoil the experience of enjoying the natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate throughout the year, particularly during the khareef season. One of the most damaging is the random passage of vehicles across green plains and mountain slopes. Protecting nature - especially vegetation - has become an urgent priority that requires collective effort. The benefits of preserving these green landscapes are universal, especially during khareef, when Dhofar transforms into one of the most verdant and captivating regions in the Arabian Peninsula. Adorned with a lush green blanket, the governorate draws thousands of visitors from within Oman and abroad. Dhofar Governorate alone is home to 900 species, representing 64 per cent of Oman's total flora. These plants flourish in areas blessed by seasonal rains, making the governorate especially attractive during khareef season. In response, the Dhofar Municipality has launched a project to protect these vital green spaces from uncontrolled vehicle traffic. This initiative underscores the Municipality's commitment to preserving one of the governorate's most important natural assets - its vegetation cover that spans mountains, plains and popular tourist spots. However, increased tourism and the widespread use of private vehicles in natural areas have given rise to serious threats. Irregular vehicle movements crush plants, damage root systems and disturb the soil structure, reducing its capacity to retain water and air-essential elements for plant growth. Over time, this leads to gradual vegetation loss, eventually transforming once-green areas into barren lands. The Nature Conservation Society, operating under the Environment Authority, has stepped up efforts to address this issue through an 'Awareness Initiative.' Key elements of this initiative include: Cooperation with authorities such as the Environment Authority, Dhofar Municipality, and Royal Oman Police to close dirt roads before khareef season begins. Educational outreach to residents and visitors on the importance of protecting green spaces. This involves distributing brochures, conducting biodiversity lectures and sharing multilingual awareness messages on social media. Combating invasive species like Parthenium hysterophorus and mesquite trees (Prosopis juliflora), which threaten native vegetation and biodiversity. Pest control efforts targeting harmful insects such as stem borers and termites that damage trees including baobab, wild figs (Ficus sycomorus), wild olives (Olea europaea) and frankincense (Boswellia sacra). Pruning and maintenance of perennial trees in cooperation with relevant agencies. The Society has also praised efforts to prohibit vehicle entry into green spaces and establish designated parking areas along roadsides. Vegetation is the backbone of ecological systems, stabilising soil against erosion, enriching it, purifying the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. It also plays a key role in moderating temperatures, promoting rainfall through transpiration and shielding the Earth's surface from excessive heat. Despite active measures by the Municipality, Environment Authority, police and conservation groups, the phenomenon of vehicle-induced damage persists - sometimes due to ignorance, lack of enforcement, or deliberate violations. As khareef season returns, community involvement is crucial. Highlighting these issues is not meant to generalise or blame all visitors, but to encourage a deeper sense of responsibility and shared stewardship for Dhofar's green treasures.
