Non-native species of palm trees are often the first priority of our government and private housing societies when it comes to urban forestation in Punjab. However, this is a short-sighted decision that will come back to bite us in the future.
Palm trees have not evolved for our land. They push our already-depleting water table even lower, dry out the soil, provide almost no shade, and most importantly, they do not support the wildlife ecosystem indigenous to this region. This includes local species of birds, small animals and insects.
Instead, we should plant our own indigenous trees, such as Peepal, Banyan, Amaltas, Gulmohar and many others. These species have existed on our land for thousands of years, shaped by the climate and ecology of our region. They have influenced our culture, history, trade, medicine and art. Turning our back on them would be very ignorant of us.
This is a request to the Punjab Government and the relevant authorities to consider the larger ecological picture and take the necessary action before it is too late.
Muhammad Yazan Aamir
Lahore
