Planting of exotic shrubs angers greens

NASHIK: The recent plantation of non-native shrubs on dividers of the Nashik-Pune highway has drawn flak from environment activists saying that no indigenous shrubs have been planted.

Plants like Gulmohar and Raintree have been under the scanner of activists as they are hazardous to the environment, yet the government departments opt for the indigenous species.

Mohammad Dilawar

, who is studying native plants and has collected hundreds of rare species said that the shrubs planted are Euphorbia tithymaloides (Devil's Backbone, Japanese Poinsettia, Slipper Spurge, Redbird Cactus) which are natives of Northern and Central America. Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk) Chiov (African fountain grass, Tender Fountain grass and Purple fountain grass) are natives of Africa, South West Asia, while Alternanthera, Brasiliana, Kuntze (Joy Weed,

Joseph

's Coat, Calico plant, Copperleaf, Bloodleaf) are natives of Northern and Southern America. and Acalypha wilkesiana Mull Arg (Copperleaf, Joseph's coat, Fire-dragon) native to Vanuatu, Pacific Islands.

"Most od these plants have absolutely no role to play in pollution control or environmental balance. They could have planted Khus. We have many flowering plants that would look beautiful. It does not make sense to plant thousands of trees which are of no use," said Mohammad.

Maintenance is key for any of the plants have been sown.

A civic body official said that indigenous species of trees have been ordered. "The minimum maintenance prescribed by the government for any contract is three years," he said.