Impact of Seemai karuvelam; invasion on the community

Impact of Seemai karuvelam invasion on the community

The Seemai karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora )  is a major invasive species in India, especially in the southern region. The Prosopis juliflora is a native to Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean islands. It was originally brought into Tamil Nadu in the 1960’s to help combat drought by using it as fire wood and fodder for cattle. But now the adverse effects of that decision are starting to surface. P. juliflora is notoriously know for exploiting ground water resources. If underground water runs out beyond its reach, it starts absorbing water from the atmosphere and thereby reducing the humidity also it has strong negative impacts on native species by suppressing the species growing near or beneath them and forming pure stands in its invaded range. It also has a very high carbon dioxide emission level so it doesn’t shelter birds. The canopy effects of this species were consistently and strongly negative on surrounding species richness and biodiversity. However, India’s native species; the Prosopis cineraria, indigenous to North-Western India, is found to facilitate native species. Farmers have long planted the P. cineraria in their fields to help their crops grow as it was evident that crops grew better under these trees than in the open fields. It was, found that soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were higher under P. cineraria canopies than in open field. Karuvelam trees in Tamil Nadu were found to be the major reason for water scarcity and depletion of ground water level in the state especially during the summer seasons when there is no rain, the plant voraciously exploits the water table. The current population of this species in Tamil Nadu is unaccounted for (is probably very high). Although there are some economical benefits to this species, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Although the government of Tamilnadu recognized the problem and took few steps towards addressing the problem, it proved inadequate in solving the problem. Ever since the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court gave directions to eradicate seemai karuvelam from the state, various political parties, NGOs, organizations and residents welfare associations have all sprung into action. Armed with sickles and some basic farm equipment, many of them have been seen chopping its bark. Some organizations have even managed to mobilize bulldozers to clear it from near waterbodies. However, in the recent past the Madras High Court issued for the total eradication of the seemai karuvelam which brought much delight to the entire farming community and other sections of the society. Following the orders of the High Court, the District Collector V. Sampath held discussion with the officials of various government departments on the steps to be taken for the removal of this weed. Few steps were initiated for the removal of karuvelam trees from government poromboke lands, lakes and tanks, supply channels. The Collector announced the formation of special teams comprising officials of the rural development, forest and revenue departments for assessing the worth of the karuvelam trees present in the water bodies and other public places. The felled karuvelam trees were sold in public auction and the revenue fetched was given to the respective village panchayats. C. Vaiyapuri, president of the United Farmers Association – Tamil Nadu, said that seemai karuvelam trees are found in abundance in private lands too and the district administration should issue directive to the owners of such lands to take steps for the removal of the same on their own. As farmers will be rendered jobless due to the prevailing drought conditions in summer, involving them in the karuvelam removal works would immensely benefit their livelihood.. The eradication of this species is an utmost need of the hour in the present scenario