SC seeks central govt’s response on plea over ban on Conocarpus

The Supreme Court has sought the Union government's response by October 8 on an expert panel recommendation for a ban on fast-growing exotic tree species Conocarpus, used for green landscaping in cities, including Delhi.

- Abraham Thomas [e-mail]

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a court-appointed statutory body, flagged the Conocarpus-related ecological and public health concerns in a report submitted last month.

" ... must take instructions and file a response. These are huge trees ... preferred in areas with a low water table," said a bench of Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod.

Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the environment, forest, and climate change ministry, said the issue is being considered on a pan-India basis. "We will file our response."