IE : Tree census after delay of three years : Aug 29, 2007
Tree census after delay of three years
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
AUGUST 28
AFTER a delay of three years, the city’s tree census may finally be out in
six months, but the BMC’s Tree Authority refuses to confirm a date. The tree
authority has roped in an NGO, Environment Biotechnology Foundation (EBF),
to collect tree counts.
In a meeting with the Tree Authority on Tuesday, Ramesh Madhav, chairman of
EBF, said, they have already marked over eight lakh trees in the city. “The
actual count till date is 8,79,497,” he said, adding,
“Interestingly, we have recognised 341 tree species of which 283 were
ornamental and 58 fruit bearing. Never before have so many species of trees
been identi fied in the city.”
Madhav made a power point presentation of the census collecting activities
and discussed issues and problems areas. When contacted, Madhav refused to
reveal more details.
Superintendent of Gardens P A Naringekar, said,
“We have already carried out the census in 12 wards, six more wards are
pending. This will take approximately five to six months.” The last census
held in the city was way back in 1999 and the next was expected in 2004.
Naringekar pointed out that after 1999, the census hit tremendous delay due
to confusion regarding implementation of the collection process.
“Now, we are streamlining the process and have taken the help of the NGO,”
he said.
Publication : IE; Section : News; Pg : 3; Date : 29/8/07
URL
:http://70.86.150.130/indianexpress/ArticleText.aspx?article=29_08_2007_523_007