Lantana camara, an invasive alien plant species, continues to spread rapidly in Himachal Pradesh’s forests. Covering over 3,25,000 hectares, it poses a serious threat to native biodiversity. Despite efforts by the State Forest Department to clear more than 51,000 hectares since 2009, experts urge faster and more integrated action.
Origin and Spread of Lantana Camara
Lantana camara is native to tropical Central and South America. It was introduced in India in the early 18th century as an ornamental plant. Since then, it has invaded most tropical forest areas across the country. In Himachal Pradesh, it infests forests across seven territorial circles including Dharamshala, Shimla, and Mandi. The India State of Forest Report 2023 estimates infestation at 3,252.82 sq km.
Ecological Impact of Lantana
Lantana forms dense, impenetrable thickets, especially at forest edges with sparse canopy cover. It releases allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants beneath it. This leads to the replacement of diverse native flora by homogeneous lantana vegetation. The result is decline in forest biodiversity and disruption of ecosystem balance.
Forest Department’s Management Efforts
Since 2009-10, the Forest Department has cleared 51,114 hectares using the ‘cut root stock’ method. This involves cutting the plant at the root to prevent regrowth. Cleared areas are replanted with native species to restore ecological balance. The department aims to clear about 1,000 hectares annually. Focus is now shifting to controlling lantana spread at higher elevations to prevent downhill infestation.
Need for Integrated and Sustainable Approaches
Experts stress a transdisciplinary approach involving local communities, industries, and civil society. Using lantana biomass for socioeconomic benefits can aid control efforts. Its timber can be used for furniture and fuelwood. Biomass can produce organic compost and vermicompost, supporting organic farming. Pharmaceutical industries may extract valuable alkaloids from wild lantana. Cultivation of lantana in gardens and along highways must be banned to prevent further spread.
Prevention and Early Detection Strategies
Effective management requires strict prevention, early detection, and timely eradication. Stakeholders must collaborate to create livelihood options linked to lantana removal. Timelines for eradication should be strictly enforced to increase momentum. Community participation is key to sustainable control and restoration of native biodiversity.
Challenges and Future Directions
Lantana’s upward spread into higher altitudes is a growing concern. Eradication at higher elevations first can limit its advance. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management are essential. The balance between ecological restoration and socioeconomic use of lantana biomass offers a promising path forward.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of invasive species management in Himachal Pradesh, discuss the role of local communities and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation.
- Examine the ecological and economic impacts of invasive alien species on forest ecosystems with suitable examples from India.
- Analyse the challenges and strategies of forest restoration in mountainous regions. How can sustainable livelihood options be integrated into such programmes?
- Discuss in the light of climate change how altitudinal shifts in species distribution affect forest biodiversity and management policies.
