The State Forest Department is now considering aproposal to provide clean air to locals by planting various species of ficus trees here.
The Forestry Research Institute chief conservator of forests (Biodiversity and Research) SK Singh hasm proposed to grow 75 species of ficus trees in about three hectare land area near the dairy association compound here in lalkuan.
Growing fruit bearing trees like those of the ficus family is one of the important measures needed not only to improve environment and biodiversity but also to resolve the rising human-wildlife conflict in the State. The decrease in broad leaved trees in the forests has not only negatively affected the biodiversity but also increased the human-wildlife conflict as the wildlife-especially monkeys have turned to human settlements in search of food.
According to Singh, ficus trees of various species from across the country will be planted in this park which will be the first park of its type in Uttarakhand. The CCF further informed that about 115 species of ficus trees are found in the nation including banyan, peepal, fig, gular, dudhila, bedu and others. There are varied medicinal uses for these trees which also play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity. The lesser known ficus species will also be grown here so that visitors can learn about their usefulness. At present the 20 ficus species found in Uttarakhand and some species from Kerala have been brought here while species from West Bengal, Assam and other North Eastern States will also be planted here.