Native Trees’ Resilience and Tropical Cyclones: A Case Study in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

By : Babita Rana

Page No: 221-225

Abstract
Tropical cyclones with heavy rainfall and gusty winds cause severe damage to the environment, infrastructure, and economy of the affected area. This study focuses on the impact of major cyclones on vegetation with special mention of native as well as exotic tree species, particularly in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and elucidation of cyclone resistance traits in trees. Data collected from secondary sources of information supports the evidence that tree devastation was more in exotic species than native species. In Mumbai, as per the recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation census, more than half of the 29.75 lakh tree population is of exotic origin. The most susceptible trees to bear the cyclone impacts such as defoliation, snapping of stems, and uprooting were Peltoforum, Gulmohar, Thespesia, Royal palm, rain tree, which were introduced to India hundreds of years ago. The common native species mango, banyan, peepal, and neem perform fairly well which underlines the importance of planting local species in cyclone vulnerable regions. The selection of proper plant species is very crucial to minimize the damaging effects of cyclones and heavy monsoons in coastal regions.

Authors :
Babita Rana : Department of Botany, G N Khalsa College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Matunga (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2022.38.01.23