BMC to plant native trees to save endangered birds

If the civic body has its way, you will soon see the almost extinct sparrow and other birds’ nests springing up in trees. The proposal brought in by the tree committee of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will allow planting of only native trees in the city to ensure habitat for species which are endangered and those which have migrated outside the city. 

“Native trees are suitable for Mumbai’s climate and will sustain longer. Decorative trees will go off the list of trees to be planted in public places. This will encourage birds and other habitation,” said Dr Nilesh Baxi, member of the civic tree committee. 

The BMC has made a list of 42 trees which will be approved in the upcoming tree committee meeting. The list includes peepal, banyan, neem and coconut. Gulmohar will not be a part of it.

“Though it is a common tree, it is not a native one and doesn’t encourage shelter for many birds and insects. Also it is found that during monsoon, its branches being weak are the first to give up,” added Baxi. 

The BMC will decide on the trees which won’t be allowed for transplantation. “We are preparing a list of trees which won’t be transplanted. This includes subhabul and all fruiting trees. Subhabul has the capacity to kill other plants that grow adjacent to it. The population of this tree is growing and it is high time that the BMC stopped its re-plantation,” said an official from the garden department. Official also pointed out that transplanting of fruiting trees reduces their life.

“It is a waste of time, energy and money. We plan to plant two other fruiting trees in its place,” he said. 
BMC’s garden department will also carry out a survey of trees across the city. It claims that many trees have contracted a “disease or infection”.