From now on, BMC will only plant trees native to Mumbai

Banyan is among several trees native to Mumbai, says the BMC. Representational pic

The BMC on Tuesday approved the policy of planting tree species native to the city. The corporation said the policy was made considering the characteristics of the soil in Mumbai, and released a list of 41 trees for now. There had been a demand for several years for using only native species for tree plantation.

According to the policy approved by the Tree Authority, trees of native species will be given priority for plantation on the BMC premises. Civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal, who is also the Tree Authority chairperson, appealed that the societies also adopt this policy while planting trees on their premises.

Native trees thrive

Tree Authority Secretary and Garden Superintendent Jitendra Pardeshi said, "While planting trees, it is necessary to take into account the local species and the soil characteristics of the area. People should plant trees that will take root firmly and thrive in the soil of Mumbai." "If non-native species are planted, they do not take root [firmly], and that increases the risk of tree falling."

The list of trees the BMC released include banyan, pipal, mahogany, cassia, teakwood, sita ashoka (saraca asoca), taman, coconut, amla, mango, parijatak, sandalwood, jackfruit and chafa (temple tree).

1,360 trees fell in Feb

It also approved the standard procedure for replanting uprooted trees. Over the past four years, the city lost 3,500 trees, including 1,360 during the last monsoon. From now on, only native trees will be used to replace a fallen one.

The policy also lists out several measures, like ensuring the safety of roots while digging around or under a tree, replacement of uprooted trees must be done on the exact spot or on the same premises. If an uprooted tree is not in the condition to be replanted, it can be replaced with another fully grown tree, preferably of the same species. Tree basins will have to be created wherever possible and manure to be added every three months.