What is Tree Transplantation Policy?

Today’s edition of our Current Affairs will comprise a discussion on Tree Transplantation Policy. Read further to upgrade your UPSC CSE knowledge and also understand the topic’s relevance to the UPSC syllabus.

For Prelims: Tree Transplantation, Tree cover, Conservation, Ecology.

For Mains: Forest management and policy, Afforestation, Tree cover, Environmental degradation.

Probable Question

What are the environmental concerns associated with developmental projects?

Context

Only 30% trees that were transplanted for the “Proposed Expansion and Restoration of the existing Parliament Building at Plot No 118”, part of the Central Vista project, have survived.

About Tree Transplantation

• Transplanting or replanting is the process of relocating a plant from one location to another in agriculture or gardening.
• Transplanted trees in general have a poor survival rate.

Delhi’s Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020

• Of all the trees that were required to be cut for any project, permission (after due process) would be given only for a maximum of 20%, and the rest would have to be “transplanted”, either on site or elsewhere.
• “The benchmark tree survival rate at the end of one year of tree transplantation shall be 80% or as notified by the department, from time to time.”

Related: Tree Plantation and Forest Restoration

Is it even Possible to Transplant a Full-Grown Tree?

• Transplantation of trees is a complex and delicate process whose outcome cannot be predicted. 
• The shallow-rooted plants have greater success, which itself depends on age.
• Young, growing plants are more immune and tolerant to abiotic and biotic stress.

Read yesterday’s edition of Current Affairs on Ladakhs Darl sky reserve astronomy Facility, in case you missed reading it.

Can any Tree be Transplanted?

• In general, any tree that has a tap root system cannot be transplanted, as the root goes deep into the soil, and it is not possible to isolate it without damage.
• Trees tolerant to transplantation: peepal, ficus/ fig, semal/ silk cotton/ bombax, sheesham/ Indian rosewood.
• Trees not tolerant to transplantation: dak/ palash/ tesu, arjun, shahtoot/ mulberry, jhilmil etc.
• Transplanting a tree with a trunk girth of more than 80-90 cm is not advisable as the tree cannot bear the shock.
• Loosen and aerated soil is more supportive of transplantation.

News Source

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/explained-transplant-a-full-grown-tree-8120890/

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