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11. Survey & Analysis of Ornamental Trees of Punjab for use in landscaping for improvement of environment

The project was taken up by Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana from 1990-93. Under the project, ornamental trees in urban and rural areas and special habitats were studied phenologically and ecologically to study their suitability of growth in the air polluted, water polluted, both, air and water polluted and dust polluted zones and saline and alkaline areas. For this purpose, the state was divided into four zones i.e. Humid, Sub-humid, Semi-arid and Arid. Observations indicate that some tree species were resistant to various types of pollution. The project report gives a zonewise list of trees suitable for growth in different areas. The study reports 71 tree species in different zones of Punjab out of which 55 species are present in humid zone, 63 species in sub-humid zone, 30 species in semi-arid zone and 24 species in arid zone. The study recommends Morus alba, poplar sp. Dalbergia sisoo and Eucalyptus tereticornis as suitable for social forestry, Alslonia scholaris, Grevellia robusta, Ficus religiosa F.benghalensis, Acacia nilotica and A.fernesiana as suitable for water polluted areas. Tree species suitable for draught prone areas, alkaline soils and shady areas have also been identified. Sensitive species have also been reported.

The recommendations have been passed on to Deptt. of Environment, Govt.of India, Deptt. of Forests, Deptt. of Wildlife & NGOs for use while planning plantation programmes.

Contact Person: Dr. Neelima Jerath, neelimajerath@pscst.com