Environment enthusiasts from Paliwal Park initiated a campaign on Sunday to rid Agra’s gardens and forests of an invasive species identified as P Juliflora, originating from Mexico. Speaking at the campaign launch, senior advocate and environmentalist KC Jain highlighted the adverse impact of this thorny invader on groundwater levels, hindering the growth of native trees and bushes.
Jain emphasized the decline in the presence of butterfly species, as their larvae feed on leaves from local bushes and trees affected by P Juliflora. The campaign aims to address this environmental challenge in various city parks, including Shahjahan Park, Paliwal Park, Sanjay Park, Taj View Park, and Agra’s forests like Keetham, Mau, Chalesar, and Taj Nature Walk.
Environmental activist Ankush Dave stressed the importance of preserving local biodiversity and advocated the removal of P Juliflora to facilitate assisted natural regeneration (ANR), allowing the natural emergence of local species without additional planting.
Dr. Sushil Chand Gupta, head of the Association of Progressive Schools of Agra (APSA), pledged support for a widespread public awareness campaign through his organization. Renowned bird watcher Dr. Mukul Pandya highlighted the significance of replacing P. Juliflora with native trees to create a suitable habitat for various bird species.
Participants, including women and children, displayed posters with messages such as “When forests of Mathura can be free from P. Juliflora, why not those of Agra” and “If we want to free the city from monkeys, we will have to free the forests from the P. Juliflora.” The event also emphasized the need for fruit-bearing trees in forests to address the monkey menace effectively.
