New Delhi December 12 (KNS): With an aim to know the economically significant trees grown in the National Capital region which have the potential to be grown in J&K particularly Jammu region a series of Tree Talks were organized in different locations around New Delhi during the last few days. These events were held under the guidance of noted naturalist , writer and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) O P Sharma. These events were held to mark 12 years of Tree Talk which was initiated by OP Sharma way back in December 2010 in Srinagar/ Jammu.
While interacting with experts in Lodhi garden, notable nature lovers and forest experts threw light on the importance of many herbs and trees found in Lodhi Garden New Delhi. O P Sharma explained the importance of these for especially the medicinal significance of iAdansonia digitata (Monkey bread tree, Gorakh Imli, Boswellia serrata (Ghost tree,Bhootya vriksh) whose products are used for the treatment of arthritis, cancer treatment. O P Sharma said that trees like Prosopis cineraria (Indian Mesquite tree,Shami ,Jand with edible pods,related to Saturn that is worshipped on Vijay Dashmi could be introduced in Jammu plains.
A Tree Talk was hosted in Aravalli ridge and Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary as well. The flora of the Aravalli mountain range was discussed during the programme. O P Sharma and other participants threw light on the unique trees with medicinal & commercial value which included Wrightia tinctoria Dyeing rosebay ,Indrajao, Kootaj ,Salvadora oleoides (Meetha Jaal,Bada Peelu),Salvadora persica (Peelu ). The Peelu is attractive to birds and oil is also extracted from its seeds and the tree is adapted to drought conditions)
O P Sharma said that Capparis decidua (Kair,Kareel,Taint ,Leafless Cape) ,Sapindus laurifolius ,Sapindus emarginatus (Soapnut) are the species grown in arid degraded areas of Delhi . He also said that Pterocarpus santalinus (Red sanders ,Rakta chandan whose wood is used to treat diabetes and is a rare tree of Andhra Pradesh can be grown in Kandi belt of Jammu.
During Tree Talk deliberations held in the heritage garden of Mughal era ,Sunder nursery Nizamuddin area the lesser known trees highlighted for their utilization included Chrysophyllum oliviforme ( Satin leaf tree) Holoptelea integrifolia (Monkey biscuit tree,Chudail papdi) , Manilkara hexandra (Khirni,Milk tree ). O P Sharma said that some of these were grown in Mubarak mandi and Zanana Park of Jammu.
Other trees which were suggested to be grown around Jammu included Sterculia foetida (Jungli badam) ,Phyllanthus reticulatus (Black honey bush),Securinega leucopyrus (White honey bush) & Thespesia populnea (Portia tree,Paras Peepal ,Bhendi).
Delhi Tree Talks highlighted the need of knowing traditional plants used in religious ceremonies, cultural traditions.
“Many of these trees stand preserved inside & outside religious shrines of Delhi, Khirni & Peelu trees preserved in Nizamuddin Dargah opposite to Sunder nursery and near to Humayun tomb were discussed and there is a need to spread awareness on community conservation of these trees. Best examples of such sacred trees are seen around Peer baba & temples around Jammu where they are preserved . These preserved and sacred trees include Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) ,Bilangada ( Flacourtia indica), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo),Tilki Pansar (Wendlandia heynei) which are found in Panj peer ,village Pargwal near Jammu “ said O P Sharma
After the Delhi series of Tree Talk interactions , a series of Tree Talks will be held in Jammu from 14th to 19 th December. On 14th , 15th and 16th December students of Gandhi Memorial science college, Forest school trainees and students of Govt women college Gandhi Nagar Jammu will participate in the connect to Biodiversity awareness initiative respectively. This campaign was initiated on 19th December 2010 which is said to be the 1st Tree Talk started by O P Sharma. The Jammu programme completes twelve years' journey of Trees Talk in Jammu & Kashmir. Nature lovers, bird watchers, story tellers & herbal innovators are expected to join green interactions in a big way in Jammu. In the past tree talks have been held in Bumus Bandipora , DoodhPathri Budgam, Yusmarg Budgam, Bhaderwah , Rajouri , Kupwara, Srinagar , Anantnag and many other places by O P Sharma.(KNS)