India’s elite counter-terror force, the National Security Guard (NSG), has declared a unique “war” on an invasive plant species, vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora), that is responsible for multiple environmental problems, including depleting the water table on its 1,600-acre campus in Manesar, adjacent to the Delhi-Ajmer highway. This move demonstrates the NSG’s commitment to environmental sustainability and combating the adverse effects of invasive species.
The Vilayati Kikar Invasion: The vilayati kikar, native to Mexico, was introduced to Delhi in the 1920s during the city’s construction by the British. Over the decades, it has spread extensively, posing numerous ecological challenges. Among these challenges, the kikar is responsible for depleting the water table, hindering the growth of other plant species, and negatively impacting local biodiversity.
Regreening the Aravallis: The NSG has embarked on a comprehensive project to address these issues. It has earmarked a 1,000-acre area on its campus for a regreening initiative focused on the Aravalli hills. The project aims to replace invasive kikar trees with local varieties of plants, effectively restoring the natural ecosystem. Past attempts at reforestation failed because kikar trees hindered the growth of other species.
Innovative Plantation Methods: To ensure the success of the reforestation effort, the NSG has adopted innovative plantation methods. It has planted nearly 10 lakh (one million) saplings of local species using the trench pattern of plantation, which optimizes water usage. The trench pattern involves ploughing rows of trenches to sow saplings, which helps channel rainwater, providing necessary irrigation.
For the foothills of the Aravallis, the NSG has employed the Miyawaki plantation method, a Japanese technique that encourages the overcrowding of saplings to promote rapid growth through competition.
Challenges and Solutions: One of the significant challenges in regreening the campus was the presence of kikar trees. Their invasive nature prevented other species from thriving. The NSG tackled this issue by initially cutting down kikar trees and using the pruned branches to create fences, keeping the nilgai (Asian antelope) away from the plantation areas. This approach increased the survival rate of new saplings to 90 percent.
Environmental Impact: Environmental experts and conservationists have praised the NSG’s initiative. Vilayati kikar’s invasive characteristics, including secreting alkaloids that hinder the growth of other plants and depleting moisture from the soil, make it detrimental to the ecosystem. By addressing this issue, the NSG aims to enhance biodiversity, improve the water table, and create a sustainable environment.
Future Plans: The NSG’s reforestation project aligns with India’s broader goals of environmental conservation and sustainability. The force intends to develop forest patches on approximately 300 acres outside the Aravallis section of its Manesar campus. This ambitious five-year plan aims to make the campus “carbon neutral.”
