Kolkata: Following the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which wreaked havoc across the city, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) parks department has shifted its focus towards compensatory plantation efforts to replenish the lost green cover.
With hundreds of uprooted trees needing replacement, the civic body is now actively seeking suitable spaces for planting saplings, aiming to restore the city’s natural landscape. According to KMC officials, the primary objective is to identify adequate spaces adjacent to areas severely affected by the cyclone, where a large number of trees were uprooted. After consultation with experts, the parks department plans to select appropriate species for plantation, including ashok, jarul, bakul, neem, sishu (Indian Rosewood), and dwarf Radhachura (peacock flower), along with fruit-bearing trees like mango, jaam (Indian blackberry), and batabi lebu (pomelo). Cyclone Remal resulted in the uprooting of over 500 large trees, marking one of the most significant losses in green cover since Cyclones Amphan and Aila. In accordance with regulations, the KMC is mandated to plant 3,000 saplings as part of a compensatory planting scheme to mitigate the environmental impact.
Areas such as Ballygunge, Lake Gardens, Golf Green, Alipore, New Alipore, and the Behala-Joka belt witnessed a substantial loss of full-grown trees. Boroughs VIII, IX, X, XII, and XVI bore the brunt of the devastation, with south Kolkata neighborhoods particularly affected. To expedite the compensatory plantation process, KMC officials have been instructed to swiftly identify suitable spots for planting, prioritizing areas along major roads and nearby parks. The timely identification of spaces is crucial, especially with the impending monsoon season, ensuring that newly planted saplings receive adequate water for healthy growth. As Kolkata aims to recover from the ecological setback caused by Cyclone Remal, KMC’s proactive approach towards reforestation underscores the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and green initiatives. Through collaborative efforts and efficient planning, Kolkata endeavors to restore its natural greenery and foster a greener, more resilient urban landscape.
