VRIKSHO RAKSHATI RAKSHITAH!

Protect Trees and They Will Protect Us

What Residents and RWAs Can Do Towards Greener, Healthier and Nature-Friendly Neighbourhoods.

Y Babji

In the world of plants, two species deserve particular attention in urban areas for their potential adverse effects on human and animal health. Conocarpus, among trees and Parthenium (Vayyari Bhama), among weeds. Both have been associated with health concerns, particularly allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

GHMC has stopped raising Conocarpus saplings in its nurseries and has undertaken pruning and replacement measures in certain locations. This presents an opportunity for Resident Welfare Associations and other institutions to rethink urban greenery and promote a greater diversity of trees and plants.

What Can We Grow?

Hyderabad's climatic and soil conditions support a wide variety of indigenous and locally suitable trees. Instead of replacing one species with another monoculture, RWAs should promote biodiversity by selecting trees according to available space, soil conditions, water requirements, root systems and proximity to underground utilities.

Some suitable trees include Neem (Vepa), Kanuga (Indian Beech), Pogada (Spanish Cherry), Badam (Indian Almond), Rela (Golden Shower), Jarul (Queen's Crape Myrtle), Siris (Dirisena), Tamarind (Chinta), Jamun (Neredu), Arjuna (Maddi), Moduga (Flame of the Forest), Kadamba (Kadamba), Amla (Usiri), Mahua (Ippa), Bael (Maredu) and Konda Chinta (Manila Tamarind). Mango (Mamidi), Guava (Jama), Custard Apple (Seethaphalam), Ber (Regi) and Jackfruit (Panasa) are also valuable fruit-bearing choices that attract birds and support neighbourhood biodiversity.

For ornamental beauty, RWAs and Municipalities can consider Mandaram (Bauhinia), Copper Pod, Aakasamalli/ Punnaga (Indian Cork Tree), Plumeria (Deva Ganneru), Pride of India (Lagerstroemia), Pink Trumpet Tree and Jacaranda. Flowering shrubs such as Hibiscus (Mandaram), Tecoma, Ixora (Rukmini), Bougainvillea (Kagitha Poolu), Jasmine (Malle), Crossandra (Kanakambaram) and Peacock Flower (Mayurashikha) can beautify parks, gardens, compound walls and suitable road dividers.

Creepers and climbers such as Madhumalati (Rangoon Creeper), Aparajita (Shankhapushpi), Allamanda (Yellow Bell), Krishna Kamalam (Passion Flower) and Blue Sky Vine (Bengal Trumpet) can adorn pergolas, compound walls and vertical gardens. Tulasi (Holy Basil), Aloe Vera (Kalabanda), Lemongrass, Curry Leaves (Karivepaku), Drumstick (Munaga) and Vetiver (Vattiveru) are useful additions to household gardens.

The Right Plant in the Right Place

Not every tree is suitable for every location. Narrow road dividers need compact shrubs, while wider medians can accommodate carefully selected flowering trees. Residential parks and open spaces can support shade-giving trees such as Neem, Siris, Jamun and Tamarind. Smaller gardens can accommodate Guava, Amla, Pomegranate and medicinal plants. Lake surroundings require native species appropriate to their ecological conditions.

Before undertaking large-scale plantations, RWAs should consult horticulture experts. Large trees should not be planted too close to drainage lines, water pipelines, electrical cables or building foundations. Adequate soil space, watering, tree guards and regular maintenance during the initial years are essential. Invasive species and plants with known toxicity or serious allergenic potential should be avoided.

RWAs can begin by assessing existing Conocarpus trees in their localities, identifying suitable alternatives and approaching GHMC horticulture officers for phased replacement wherever necessary. GHMC, the Forest Department and HMDA can support these initiatives through sapling supply and technical guidance.

My Personal Association with Plants

I am neither a botanist nor a horticulturist by qualification, but an individual with a deep interest in nature and environmental conservation. My love and association with trees and plants go back to childhood.

I have an open plot of approximately 300 square yards adjoining my house, where I enjoy growing and nurturing different varieties of trees, creepers, shrubs and medicinal plants. My garden currently has Badam, Neem, Kanuga, Mango, Jackfruit, Jamun, Lemon, Coconut, Monkey Pod (Rain Tree), Maredu (Bael), Moringa (Munaga), Usiri (Amla), Mulberry and Turkey Berry (Chinna Vankaya/Sundakkai).

Among the creepers are Vishnu Kamalam, Amruthavalli (Guduchi), Sankupushpi (Butterfly Pea), Dondakaya (Ivy Gourd) and Sorakaya (Bottle Gourd). I also grow vegetables such as Brinjal (Vankaya), Lady's Finger (Bendakaya) and Chilli (Mirapakaya).

My medicinal and aromatic plants include Harita Manjari (Kuppinta), Jayanthiveda (Gaddi Chamanthi), Dugdhika (Nanubalu), Sri Tulasi, Vishnu Tulasi, Vana Tulasi, Indian Mint (Pudeena) and Mexican Mint ( Karpuravalli). I use fallen leaves, kitchen waste as organic manure along with compost and cocopeat and leftover kitchen water for nurturing these plants. Gardening is a daily passion and I spend approximately one hour in the morning and another in the evening tending to them.

This personal association has taught me the joy of watching a sapling grow into a tree and the satisfaction of creating a small, self-sustaining green ecosystem.

Every Resident Can Make a Difference

Every citizen and every RWA can contribute meaningfully. Plantation drives should not be limited to ceremonial distribution of saplings. Residents must take responsibility for planting, protecting and nurturing them. Every household could grow at least one fruit-bearing or medicinal plant, while every colony could develop a small bird-and- butterfly-friendly garden.

Urban greenery should not be measured merely by the number of saplings planted or the length of roads covered with trees. It should be measured by the diversity of species that survive, the shade they provide, the birds and butterflies they attract and the healthier environment they create for future generations.

Let us protect our trees and nurture our plants. Let every home become a garden and every neighbourhood a green habitat. Together, let us make Hyderabad greener, healthier and richer in biodiversity, one tree at a time.