MUMBAI: The BMC tree authority on Tuesday approved a policy to plant trees of native species in the city. These indigenous trees are more suited to the soil and climate of Mumbai, officials said.
The decision was taken at the tree authority meeting headed by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Chahal who is the Chairperson of the authority.
According to this policy, priority will now be given to planting trees of local species at the level of BMC.
Chahal also appealed to citizens to also plant trees of local species while planting trees in their housing society. As per the policy approved, 41 species of local species have been included in the trees at present which are indigenous.
“When planting trees, it is necessary to take into account the local conditions and the soil characteristics. So we must plant trees that will grow and take root more firmly in the soil of Mumbai. If plants of other species are planted instead of the native species, they do not take root in the soil of Mumbai,” an official said.
“As a result, the risk of such trees falling is higher. With this in mind, the Tree Authority has approved a policy for planting native species,” the official added.
Some of the native trees that will be planted as part of the policy are Wad, Pimpal, Umber, Kanchan, Kadamba, Gunj, Palas, Nim, Mahogany, Moh, Bahawa, Sag, Arjun, Ain, Kinjal, Sita Ashok, Undal, Nagkeshar, Champa, Shivan, Shirish, Karanj, Bakul, Bell, Taman, Hirda, Behda, Coconut, Amla, Khair, Tetu, Mango, Putranjiva, Wild Almond, Bibba, Parijatak, Rita, Sandalwood, Phanas and Chafa.