Min calls for removal of ‘Vilayati Babool’ to save local vegetation

Jaipur: Panchayati Raj minister Madan Dilawar Tuesday directed officials of the Panchayati Raj and forest department to conduct a study and issue guidelines for the complete removal of ‘Vilayati Babool' (Prosopis Juliflora), including its roots, and to explore options for safe zone operations.He said that the eradication should be carried out in a phased manner by identifying specific areas. Dilawar said the state govt's goal is not only to cut down Prosopis Juliflora but also to completely eliminate its roots to prevent regrowth. He pointed out that Prosopis Juliflora proliferated extensively, hindering the growth of other vegetation around it. Therefore, its effective eradication is essential, he added. Dilawar said that this tree depletes the fertility of agricultural soil and destroyed pasture lands, causing significant issues for farmers in terms of grazing for livestock. Additionally, if one Prosopis Juliflora plant grows, it leads to the growth of many others, preventing the development of other vegetation, Dilawar explained. He also discussed the current legal provisions and policies available for the eradication of Prosopis Juliflora and mentioned that the govt is making efforts at its level to remove these plants. "Some obstacles remain, but efforts will be made to overcome them," he added. The meeting also discussed related products such as fuel, charcoal, and animal feed. Secretary and commissioner of Panchayati Raj Jogaram, director of the watershed department Mohammad Junaid, vice-chancellor of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Balraj Singh, along with departmental officials and representatives from various organisations working in this field, were present at the meeting.