SC panel seeks nationwide ban on Conocarpus tree

Imported from the Americas and Africa, Conocarpus erectus and Conocarpus lancifolius were introduced in India over the past two decades as drought-tolerant and low-maintenance trees that could withstand pollution, salinity and poor soils

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The Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has sought a ban on Conocarpus, a fast-growing exotic species planted widely in India for quick greening of roads and urban spaces, saying it poses grave ecological and public health risks.

In a 40-page report submitted to the apex court, the CEC described the tree as "ecologically unsuitable" and said its unchecked spread threatens biodiversity, groundwater, infrastructure and human health.

“The Conocarpus plant, although tempting for roadside plantation and quick creation of green belts, has serious negative interactions in terms of health risks and environmental degradation, which makes it quite unsuitable from an ecological point of view,” it said.