Conocarpus planting initiative under scrutiny
Bengaluru, in an effort to boost the city’s green cover, saw thousands of Conocarpus erectus saplings planted along roadsides, medians, and vacant plots by the previous civic authority, BBMP. Over the past two years, these fast-growing trees have thrived, adapting well to urban conditions. However, their future now hangs in the balance as the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) prepares to issue an order following warnings from the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
The CEC reviewed complaints from several states, conducted site visits, and consulted ecologists before submitting its report to the apex court. It found Conocarpus to be invasive, aggravating respiratory conditions through pollen release and contributing to ecological imbalance. The committee recommended that the MoEFCC direct all states to immediately halt further planting and replace existing saplings with native species.
Scale of planting in Bengaluru
Official records show BBMP planted more than 5,000 Conocarpus saplings across eight city zones, while non-governmental organisations, resident welfare associations, and citizen groups contributed over 20,000 saplings. A forest department official stated, “These were mainly chosen for medians and roadside stretches because they withstand pollution and low water supply. With a survival rate of over 95%, many have now grown 10–15 ft tall.”
The ‘green desert’ effect
The CEC noted that Conocarpus has already been banned in countries such as Singapore and across the Middle East. The species, often termed a ‘green desert’, provides no habitat or sustenance for insects, birds, or mammals. Its aggressive root system inhibits the growth of nearby vegetation and depletes groundwater. Local bodies in several states have also reported infrastructure damage due to root intrusion.
Official response and next steps
Sudarshan GK, deputy conservator of forests, Greater Bengaluru Authority, acknowledged the concerns, saying, “The CEC’s observations are accurate, and we already stopped planting Conocarpus in June 2024 following the minister’s directive. The challenge now is dealing with the 5,000-plus trees already planted by BBMP and the thousands more by private groups. We are awaiting official instructions from MoEFCC. If removal is ordered, we are prepared to replace them with native species.”
Forest department sources indicate that the MoEFCC’s order is expected shortly, potentially reshaping Bengaluru’s urban forestry approach while prioritising ecological balance and public health.