🗞️ Why in News The Madras High Court on March 18, 2026, issued 34 directions for the eradication of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora (locally known as seemai karuvelam) from Tamil Nadu, directing that property owners willing to plant native saplings be provided them free of cost.
The Invasive Tree That Took Over Tamil Nadu
What Is Prosopis Juliflora?
Prosopis juliflora is a thorny, fast-growing tree native to Central and South America. It was introduced in India (Tamil Nadu) in 1959 to:
- Combat firewood shortage in the drier southern regions
- Provide shade and soil stabilisation in arid areas
- Serve as a drought-resistant fuelwood source
However, the species has become one of India’s most aggressive invasive alien species, spreading uncontrollably across Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Why It Became a Problem
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Groundwater depletion | Deep taproots (up to 50 m) drain groundwater at rates far exceeding native species |
| Biodiversity loss | Forms dense monocultures, displacing native flora and reducing habitat for wildlife |
| Agricultural land invasion | Spreads into farmland, making it uncultivable |
| Health hazards | Thorns cause injuries; pollen aggravates allergies |
| Wetland destruction | Has invaded critical wetlands including Pulicat Lake and Kaliveli wetland |
Regeneration Challenge
Prosopis juliflora is exceptionally difficult to eradicate:
- Seeds are tough and long-lasting — remain viable in soil for years
- Spread through livestock dung — cattle eat pods, seeds pass through undigested and germinate
- Cutting leads to stronger regrowth — the tree coppices vigorously from stumps
- Even chemical treatment must be repeated over multiple seasons
Madras High Court Directions
The court issued 34 specific directions, including:
- Property owners willing to plant native saplings to be provided them free of cost by the forest department
- State agencies to prepare a phased eradication plan with clear timelines
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department to coordinate with district administrations for removal from public lands
- Awareness campaigns in affected districts on the ecological harm caused by the species
National Context: Invasive Species in India
India faces multiple invasive species threats:
| Species | Region | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Prosopis juliflora | TN, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Groundwater depletion, biodiversity loss |
| Lantana camara | Pan-India forests | Forest degradation, blocks regeneration |
| Water hyacinth | Wetlands across India | Chokes water bodies, depletes oxygen |
| Parthenium | Agricultural lands | Crop yield loss, health issues |
| Mikania micrantha | NE India, Western Ghats | Smothers native vegetation |
India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) address invasive species management, though enforcement remains patchy.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Prosopis juliflora origin, invasive species examples, Biological Diversity Act 2002, NBA. Mains GS-3: Environmental conservation — invasive species management, biodiversity threats, judicial activism in environmental protection. Mains GS-2: Role of judiciary in environmental governance.
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
Prosopis Juliflora:
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Native to: Central and South America (Mexico, Peru, Argentina)
- Introduced in Tamil Nadu: 1959
- Local name: Seemai Karuvelam (Tamil), Vilayati Babool (Hindi)
- Taproot depth: Up to 50 metres
- IUCN status: Listed among “100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species”
Madras HC Directions (March 18, 2026):
- 34 directions issued for eradication
- Free native saplings for willing property owners
- Phased eradication plan required
- Forest department to coordinate removal from public lands
Invasive Species in India:
- Lantana camara: Pan-India, forest degradation
- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): Wetlands, oxygen depletion
- Parthenium hysterophorus: Agricultural lands, “Congress grass”
- Mikania micrantha: NE India, “Mile-a-minute weed”
Other Relevant Facts:
- Biological Diversity Act: 2002 (India)
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Chennai (est. 2003)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): India is a party (ratified 1994)
- IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG): Maintains Global Invasive Species Database
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Dehradun — conducts invasive species research
- 90% of TN’s rural population uses Prosopis as firewood and charcoal source
Sources: The Hindu, GS Times, Mongabay India, SPC Tamil Nadu