Reviving native trees of Punjab his mission

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 17

This environmentalist is on a revival mission. Dr Balwinder Singh Lakhewali wants to revive the native trees of Punjab. It is not an easy job. Especially, in a culture where ‘exotic’ is valued, extolled and even treasured. No wonder, native trees have been conveniently forgotten by the natives!

Baheda, tilkan, sambal, toot, karonda, harad, dhak, falsa, mandar, kachnaar, kadamb, champa, galgal – do the names ring a familiar bell? Well, not very long ago these trees were a part of our life.

Some of these native trees are big, while others are medium sized. Besides, some trees yield fruit, while many others have a medicinal value. Still others are ornamental and have an aesthetic appeal.

Pitching for the cause of preserving the native flora, Dr Lakhewali says: “There are around 52 species of trees native to the state. Among the big trees are included banyan, baheda, tilkan and simbal. These are best suited to be grown in large tracts of land.”

Among the medium sized trees, amla is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. The native-tree-expert talks of ‘Sohanjna’, a medicinal tree. “Its various parts are a rich source of Vitamin C, calcium and iron. There is a belief that the tree parts have the potential to cure as many as 200-300 human diseases.” Flowery trees which have an ornamental value can be grown on roadsides. Tilkan is one such tree that can adorn the roadsides in both rural and urban areas.

The environmentalist has identified 20-25 spots each in villages where tree plantation can be carried out. These include Civil Hospital, Veterinary Hospital, government schools, cremation grounds, panchayat ghars, religious places like gurdwaras. “First, the spots are identified. The next step is to calculate the area available for plantation. Finally, the selection of the plants for each spot is done. Religious places can have shady trees; spots like ‘hadda rodi’ can do with hardy species. Bus stands require shady trees.”

Dr Lakhewali’s suggestion: “The Forest Department should have a seed bank of native trees. Propagation of native trees is imperative.”