Ayush Minister suggests medicinal forests in Delhi’s afforestation drive
New Delhi, July 10 (TNT): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav on Friday welcomed the Delhi government’s proposed large-scale afforestation programme and suggested earmarking part of the initiative for the development of medicinal forests.
In a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Jadhav described the proposed plantation of over 70 lakh indigenous and climate-resilient trees, development of more than 70 water bodies, and notification of nearly 6,000 hectares as forest area as a major step towards strengthening Delhi’s ecological security and improving urban air quality.
The Union Minister appreciated the proposal to replace invasive species such as Vilayati Kikar and Babool with indigenous trees including Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun and Jamun, saying the initiative would help transform the Delhi Ridge into the city’s “lungs”.
Jadhav suggested that at least 20 per cent of the plantations in the proposed eight forests be dedicated to medicinal plant species or, alternatively, that at least two forests be developed as exclusive Medicinal Forests (Aushadhi Vans).
He said such forests would provide a sustainable source of quality raw material for the Ayush sector, promote biodiversity conservation, strengthen ecological restoration and encourage eco-tourism in the National Capital Region.
The Union Minister also shared an indicative list of medicinal plant species suitable for Delhi’s agro-climatic conditions, including Ashwagandha, Giloy, Tulsi, Brahmi, Shatavari, Amla, Arjun, Ashok, Neem, Bel and Jamun.
Reiterating the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to promoting medicinal plants and sustainable healthcare ecosystems, Jadhav expressed confidence that the initiative would serve as a model for integrating urban afforestation with India’s traditional systems of medicine.
TNT TS
