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DO YOU FEEL THE CHILL NEAR SANGOLDA? OR, WHY GOA NEEDS TO RE-PLANT TREES
By Paul Fernandes
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
SOMEWHERE AMONG THE SHRINKING TREES: In a shrinking world, even the
size of trees is decreasing. Gigantic trees, which stretched into the sky
and shaded us from the scorching sun, are being replaced by dwarfish and
inferior varieties.
A bleak scenario looms large due to the flimsy shrubbery sprouting
up in place of tall trees that are being felled, amidst fears of an
impending global warming. "Huge mango, tamarind or other types of
trees arching over our houses shielded the sun," says horticulturist
Rozendo Mendonca.
Nature lovers are alarmed not only over the hacking of stately trees, which
is leading to the desertification in rural areas -- specially the coastal
belt -- but also over the lack of replacements. Hundreds of tall trees,
which were destroyed in the squall in Goa in mid-April 2005 may never be
replaced. Very soon only shrubbery may dot the landscape, tree lovers say.
Has anyone seen a tall tree coming up in place of a gigantic one axed in his
neighbourhood? The question is quite relevant.
"When everything, including trees, are cleared, there is a multi-storeyed
structure, there is a parking lot and there is an area, which is tiled. but
there is hardly any planning to do tree planting, says Sandeep Azrencar,
co-ordinator of the Nisarga Nature Club, of Margao and Mapusa. His group
which has been working for years to spread the tree-growing culture.
Thousands of saplings are planted every year but greens say those are exotic
species of trees such as acacia, casuarinas and eucalyptus, which cannot
recreate the ambiance of the stately indigenous trees with extensive
canopies. A few groups or individuals like the Nisarga Nature Club are
concerned about this and are trying to plant fruit-yielding varieties.
The indigenous varieties give character to a place, spread the
goodly shade and shelter life beneath them in an environment, where
the concrete rears up higher than the greenery.
"Trees can change the ecology of a place," says botanist Prof B F Rodrigues,
"and the moment we prefer exotic ones, we develop a mono-culture."
The practice is fraught with grave problems as mono-culture causes an
ecological imbalance. It discourages other fauna or diversity.
According to Rodrigues, people complain of pollen allergy when there is
maximum bloom of acacia trees, resulting in respiratory problems like a
cough. Trees like eucalyptus drain the water table while casuarina is also
know to choke waterways. Acacia trees are tall but cannot match local
varieties, much less for timber. They may not be conducive for birds either.
Says horticulturist Mendonca, "A denser crown, which the stately
trees have, means more leaves and more leaves means more is the
oxygen released in the atmosphere". The goodly shade spread by the
tree's canopy keeps the environs cool. For instance, a one-kilometre
stretch at Sangolda is known to be comparatively cooler than other
places as the avenue is flanked by overarching trees.
The loss of scores of trees in the April 20 squall is inestimable, say
environmentalists. Who will plant the rain trees when they come down?
Says Patricia Pinto, a Panjim councillor and environmentalist, "A tree for a
tree should be the principle adopted by those concerned and tree lovers."
According to her, if a mango tree is cut, a mango tree should be planted.
Otherwise, we are bound to lose control of what we plant and also the
diversity we possessed.
The government was planning to slaughter 37 rain trees at Campal for
its four-lane road. If they were destroyed, the population of this
species would have decreased, says a tree lover. No rain trees are
being planted anyway. Several varieties of trees like jambul,
tamarind are becoming rare.
It is high time a tree authority is installed to advise and guide the
builders or others who cut trees. For instance, the may-flower tree is not
good for a city. It has superficial roots and if it falls, it falls like a
cake.
Our cities are turning into urban wastelands because of a change in land
utilisation. "If you see the previous pattern, every house was a ground
dwelling structure. All houses had traditionally what is called the 'porsum'
(backyard plantation). Besides, there was a verandah and, in front of that,
a garden. Hence every house was a eco-friendly dwelling."
Now the urban culture has changed the set-up totally. Trees are felled for
construction but the element of compensating or replacing the lost tree is
missing. "The only sweet exception is the trees which were planted by CCP as
part of Together for Panaji programme during the tenure of then
Commissioner, Sanjit Rodrigues.
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What foliage does to you and the environment......
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Foliage not only beautifies a place but absorbs carbon dioxide,
prevents erosion, cushions noise, keep heads and tempers cool. But a
bare landscape and carpeted surface absorbs heat. Cement absorbs it
fast but releases slowly and the local temperature remains hot for
hours even after sunset, according to experts.
We should protect trees but not forget to propagate trees, says Rozendo
Mendonca. That species can be with us if we do so, he adds.
Trees planted on highways not only provide a green touch to the scene but
much more. Environmentally, that is. A little description and history of
trees on highways can add colour and create interest among motorists and
passers-by
Previously when people lived in traditional families in houses, they had a
relationship with the trees. Childhood memories were linked to trees. "In
the multi-storeyed building, every one is boxed in. The affinity with trees
is gone," says Azrencar.
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Some useful tips:
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Miguel Braganza <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> who is an agricultural officer
turned writer/editor gives this list of nurseries from where one can obtain
plants. He was writing in another context:
Below is an indicative list of nurseries.
* Viraj Nursery, Opposite Binani, Carrasvaddo/Colvale. Ph.5623013
* Vikas Nursery, NH-17 Dhargal/Porvorim Ph.5622088, 9326105043
* Mr.Farmer, NH-17, Guirim Ph.9822100498
* Kakoda Farms/Goa Horti Centre, Behind MMC Bldg. Margao
* Rodney's Roses, Nr.Rly.Station, Seraulim Ph.2780696, 9822122974
* Aadhya Nursery, Margao
* East-West Nursery, Ambaji, Near KTC Bus Stand, Margao.
* Nisarg Nursery, Verem-Candolim Road, Verem * Green Triangle, Opposite Post
Office, Arpora-Saligao Jn., Parra
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SALMONA SPRING, NOW IN THE NEWS: Fruit
trees like jamun (Syzygium jambolana), zaam (Syzygium aquem), guava,
cashew, mango, jackfruit, tamarind, brindao/bindna/kokum (Garcinia
indica), aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), West Indian fig, West indian
cherry (Malphigia), Indian cherry/kantam (Carissa carandas), bor
(Zizypus sp.), churna (Zizypus rugosa), bael (Aegle marmellos) and
false bael or wood apple (Feronia sp.) are best planted to attract
children to the hills.
Animals, squirrels and birds will come too. Some grasses like lemon grass or
ganjan and khus or valerr can be planted by the course of the spring.
Periwinkles (vinca/perpet/sadafuli) and tulsi plants can be added near the
spring to add beauty at low cost. The plants are self propagating. One or
two rain trees near the spring would provide extensive shade within three or
four years.
Nisarga has a few tall-grown tree species in cement bags. The Forest
Department also has some species. Can community-based organisations (CBOs)
come together to do tree planting with the onset of monsoons? Schools
re-open on June 6. Tree planting is best done before June 30. Some labour
needs to be employed. Students cannot do the heavy work. The community needs
to contribute some funds.
