Latest news with #Prosopisjuliflora
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Uppalapadu Sanctuary to become conservation reserve
GUNTUR: Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary in Guntur district, a cherished haven for migratory birds from across continents, is set to receive a significant ecological boost as authorities move to notify it as a 'Conservation Reserve' under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. District In-Charge Collector A Bhargav Teja directed forest officials to finalise the proposal following community consultations and inter-departmental approvals. The declaration is expected to not only bring legal recognition but also ensure sustained ecological protection and funding support. Spanning 9.5 acres, the freshwater lake in Uppalapadu hosts thousands of birds each year between October and March. Nearly 30,000 birds of over 25 species-including spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, openbill storks, white ibises, and glossy ibises - migrate from as far as Siberia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and Myanmar to escape harsh winters and breed in the sanctuary. Speaking to TNIE, District Forest Officer M Hima Shailaja said the lake is dotted with 14 vegetated mounds spread across two acres, which serve as nesting grounds. 'The mounds are mostly covered with Prosopis juliflora, but the trees are deteriorating due to increased bird activity. We're planning replantation to improve the green cover,' she explained. To support nesting, 14 artificial perching stands have been installed. 'Though we've been conserving the habitat with community support for over two decades, the site lacked legal recognition. The move to designate it as a Conservation Reserve will finally formalise the sanctuary's protection,' she added.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Farmers seek water release
The need to desilt and deepen waterbodies, release water for the double crop region and tackle pest infestation was stressed at the farmers grievance redress meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday. At the meeting presided over by Madurai Collector M.S. Sangeetha, the farmers said that water from Mullaperiyar dam should be released for irrigating the first crop of the double crop region. The farmers urged the authorities to desilt and deepen the waterbodies for storage of more water. They also complained about encroachments on the waterbodies. They urged the authorities to remove encroachments and the need to conduct a survey to ascertain the extent of the waterbodies to remove the encroachments. The Collector told the Water Resources Department officials to take up the survey to ascertain the extent of the waterbodies in the district. The farmers also sought the removal of Prosopis juliflora (seemai karuvelam) trees from waterbodies. The Collector instructed the authorities to look into the issue and also initiate necessary steps to auction them. The farmers complained about pest infestation and diseases affecting the crops. They sought appropriate compensation for crop loss. The Collector instructed the officials to look into the issue.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Close to 5,000 saplings planted on Kallankadu forest growing steadily
About 5,000 saplings which were planted at Kallankadu forest block in Rameswaram island in the last rainy season under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission Forest Department have witnessed a steady growth owing to the water storage mechanisms and utilisation of local people for maintenance. As the Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) trees are invasive species, a removal drive has become a buzz word in the entire State. The vacant lands left after the removal of the invasive plants were thought to be reused for increasing the forest cover, said S. Hemalatha, District Forest Officer, Ramanathapuram. More than any other district, the excess growth of invasive species in Ramanathapuram district - reeling under an acute water shortage for several years - has become the major reason for the dehydration observed in the land, she added. By removing Prosopis juliflora and planting the native species on the land, the groundwater recharge would significantly improve in addition to improving the biodiversity of the area, she noted. 'While the removal of the species was carried out by many districts, the planting of saplings on the barren land was an initiative taken by the forest department under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission,' Ms. Hemalatha observed. Speaking about the earmarked area for ecological reforestation at Kallankadu main forest block in Rameswaram island, she said that on the 50 hectares, which was found with a dense growth of Prosopis juliflora, and after clearance with the assistance of Mangadu village women, about 5,000 native variety species were planted in the area. 'As the saplings were grown to a certain stage for about one year in a nursery, the growth and adaptation of the plants would be better when transformed to the land,' she noted. On water supply to the plants, Ms. Hemalatha said that many mini wells were kept ready in the area to store rainwater and once the water supply through the rain stops, the stored water would be utilised for the plants. With a remuneration, the nearby village women were given the responsibility to water and maintain the plants till the plants reached a certain height, she said. In addition, the women would also be monitoring the regrowth of Prosopis juliflora and regularly clearing them, she added. In a similar way, on 22 hectares of land from Rameswaram to Danushkodi, under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) mechanism, about 7,000 saplings were planted in a similar way, she stated. In Sayalkudi too, on 7 hectares of land, 2,000 saplings had been planted, she added.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Pondicherry University releases global study on invasive species
PUDUCHERRY: Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor P. Prakash Babu on Friday released a new book titled Prosopis Juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization, published by Elsevier and Academic Press. The book offers a comprehensive study of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as seemai karuvelam. Compiled after years of research by former professor S. A. Abbasi and his team at Pondicherry University, the book explores sustainable and economically viable uses of the plant's biomass. It also features contributions from global researchers, providing an international perspective on managing one of the world's most aggressive and ecologically damaging weeds. Prosopis juliflora has severely impacted biodiversity in regions such as Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, displacing native vegetation through its allelopathic properties, which hinder the growth of nearby plants. In 2022, several writ petitions were filed in the Madras High Court seeking government action to control its spread. Prakash Babu stated that the book is expected to guide global efforts not only to contain the plant but also to explore ways of converting it into a valuable resource for both ecological restoration and economic gain.
News18
17-05-2025
- General
- News18
How The UP Government Is Bringing Dwapar Yug To Life In Vrindavan's Forests
Last Updated: The Uttar Pradesh government is reviving 36 sacred forest sites in Vrindavan by planting trees from Lord Krishna's era, blending mythology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage 'Dwapar Yug' is all set to come alive for those visiting the ancient forests of Vrindavan, as the Uttar Pradesh government prepares to give a mythological makeover to these sacred groves—believed to be the very land where Lord Krishna once lived and played. With a major eco-restoration project underway, the initiative aims to revive Vrindavan's ancient forests by planting trees mentioned in Krishna's era, blending ecology with spirituality to recreate the timeless charm of Braj. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has undertaken this ambitious eco-restoration drive, targeting 36 ancient forest sites across a vast area of 487 hectares in Vrindavan. The Parishad's environmental advisor, Mukesh Sharma, revealed that plantation work has begun in the Sunrakh Reserve Forest area and will be executed in three phases, with an estimated budget of around Rs 90 crore. 'This project is not merely about planting trees; it is about restoring a cultural and spiritual heritage deeply linked to Krishna's divine pastimes," said Sharma. Removing Invasive Species, Reviving Native Flora One of the key objectives is to remove the invasive and harmful Prosopis juliflora, locally known as 'vilayati babool', which has overrun these forests—turning the soil barren and threatening local flora and fauna. Replacing it with native broad-leaved species like Krishna Kadamb (Mitragyna parviflora), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), and Tamal (Garcinia xanthochymus) will help restore ecological balance while reviving the mythological essence of the region. Since Vrindavan lies within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), a Supreme Court-designated eco-sensitive area, special permission was required to proceed with tree cutting and plantation. An interlocutory application was filed in Writ Petition No. 13381/1984, and after inspection by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court approved the project on December 12, 2023. This marks the first time an eco-restoration initiative has been permitted inside the TTZ. The detailed restoration plans were developed after extensive surveys and technical consultations with scientists from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Soil testing across all sites helped create a blueprint tailored to the unique ecological needs of each forest block. Sharma said, 'We are blending scientific precision with cultural respect to ensure that these forests not only survive but thrive as living testaments to Krishna's legacy." Trees With Deep Spiritual Significance The plantation will include species that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, such as Peeloo (Salvadora oleoides), Maulshree (Mimusops elengi), Aam (Mangifera indica), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Baheda (Terminalia bellirica), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), and Palaash (Butea monosperma). These trees are valued not only for their ecological benefits but also for their association with the traditions of ancient Braj and Krishna's life stories. Project Launch And Vision For A Green Braj A formal field workshop to mark the project's launch was recently held at the Sunrakh Forest Block, chaired by Shailja Kant Mishra, Vice-Chairman of the Parishad. He highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, 'Reviving these forests is an act of devotion as much as it is an ecological necessity. We want every visitor to feel the presence of Krishna's Vrindavan in every shade and scent." Promoting Biodiversity, Eco-Tourism, And Local Livelihoods Officials with the UP Government said the restoration effort is expected to boost biodiversity, improve air and soil quality, and promote eco-tourism, while also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities involved in plantation and forest management. 'Special measures are planned to prevent the regrowth of invasive species and to monitor the health of the saplings over the coming years," they added. First Published: May 17, 2025, 15:54 IST
