As Hyderabad grapples with the loss of over 800 trees within a year due to adverse weather conditions, experts are sounding the alarm on the city’s poor tree-to-human ratio, currently standing at a mere 28:1. This ratio falls significantly short of the international standard of 100:1 required to maintain ecological balance, underscoring the urgent need for strategic interventions to address the city’s dwindling green cover.
The depletion of trees, attributed largely to unseasonal thunderstorms and strong winds, has exacerbated environmental challenges such as climate change, extreme heat, and erratic rainfall patterns. Conservationists and environmentalists are advocating for a shift towards planting indigenous species like Neem, Lilac, and Mast trees to enhance the city’s resilience to adverse weather conditions and promote biodiversity.
Highlighting the importance of prioritising indigenous species, a conservation architect and environmentalist stressed the need to plant at least 10 native species annually to meet the growing demand for trees. Exotic species, while fast-growing, often possess shallow roots and are ill-suited to withstand the city’s climatic conditions, making them prone to uprooting during storms.
Emphasising the significance of deep-rooted indigenous trees such as Ficus, Indian Lilac, and Bauhinias, tree experts advocate for a comprehensive tree census to assess the composition of tree species in the city accurately. A tree census would enable authorities to identify and monitor the distribution of exotic and native species, facilitating informed decision-making in urban planning and tree conservation efforts.
Furthermore, a comprehensive tree census would aid in the preservation of biodiversity, development of green spaces, and enhancement of the city’s aesthetic and environmental quality. By prioritising the cultivation of native species and conducting regular tree assessments, Hyderabad can mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation, promote sustainable urban development, and safeguard the well-being of its residents.
