The lush green landscapes of the City Beautiful are home to 87 tree species.
The city has a total of 231,386 trees (avenues/sectors) of 87 tree species, stated the maiden tree census conducted by the UT Forest and Wildlife Department. According to the tree census, out of the total 231,386 trees, Polyalthia longifilia (False Ashoka tree) has been reported to be the most abundant. There are 17,057 trees of Polyalthia longifilia (False Ashoka ) while there are only five trees of Thespisia Populenea species found here.
The census report included detailed information about the number of avenue tree species, road tree species and sector-wise tree species. Parks and private buildings in the city were not covered under the tree census. In total, there are 87 avenue tree species found in Chandigarh, out of which 25 species are major avenue tree species.
The census stated that road-wise, the V-5 roads (neighbourhood streets) have the maximum number of trees. While in Sectors of Chandigarh, Sector 46 has maximum number of trees and Sector 6 has the minimum number of trees. A total of 10,764 trees were counted in Sector 46 while 489 trees were found in Sector 6.
While talking to The Pioneer, Santosh Kumar, UT Conservator of Forests said that the survey has revealed that there are 87 avenue tree species in Chandigarh. Polyalthia longifilia (False Ashoka tree) has been found to be most abundant, most dense avenue species. He said, “Thespisia Populenea species has the minimum number of five trees here.” A total of 2,31,386 trees were counted during the census. Private buildings and parks were not covered during the census. The census covered major avenues and sectors here.”
The UT Forest Department has also roped in experts from Panjab University to conduct a maiden survey to check the health of trees planted along major roads in Chandigarh. The survey is aimed at identifying the number of diseased trees in Chandigarh so that the same can be replaced by healthy saplings at the earliest.
At present, a large number of trees along V3 roads are affected due to termite infection. Sadly, several trees have already succumbed to termite infection while many others are on the verge of collapse due to the infection. Besides its ugly look along V3 avenues, these diseased trees often pose a threat to commuters in Chandigarh.
Santosh Kumar added that the experts from Panjab University have conducted their survey to identify dead and diseased trees in the city and the report is yet to be finalised. Notably, the State of Environment Report-Chandigarh 2012 has also advised that dead and diseased trees should be replaced by healthy saplings and every abandoned or vacant space should be utilised for afforestation and qualitative improvement in green cover.
Earlier in 2011, the MCC and UT Administration had conducted a combined survey to identify dangerous trees which needs immediate removal otherwise can lead to loss of life and property during strong winds and storms. While 328 such trees were identified in the city, the higher authorities have failed to axe such trees which are dead, pose danger to commuters and also obstruct passage on cycle tracks in the city.