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Picture Courtesy: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/udaipur-holika-dahan-semal-trees-rajasthan-disappearing/article68170694.ece

Context: Environmental conflict arising from the use of semal trees in Udaipur's Holi celebrations.

Semal Trees

• The semal tree, also known as the silk cotton tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba., play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem of Rajasthan.
• The tree's unique features, such as spiked trunks and fluffy seed pods, contribute to its ecological significance.
• It grows straight and tall, reaching heights of up to 20 meters on average, with older trees reaching up to 60 meters in wet tropical regions.
• The fruit is a capsule that reaches about 13 centimetres in length, initially light-green in colour when immature and turning brown when mature. The seeds inside are numerous, long, and ovoid, packed in white cotton-like fibres.
• Bombax ceiba is widely cultivated in southeastern Asian countries and regions, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, southern China, and Taiwan.

Uses and Economic Significance ●The white fluffy fibres from Bombax ceiba are carded into thread and woven into textiles in Nepal and India. In North India, these fibres are also used in pillows. ● In Thailand, the dry cores of Bombax ceiba flowers are used as an essential ingredient in traditional dishes like nam ngiao spicy noodle soup and kaeng khae curry. ● Bombax ceiba plays a significant role in Cantonese culture, particularly in Guangzhou, where it is the official flower. The flowers are collected for making tea or soup, and they attract various wildlife like Japanese white-eyes and bees.

Ecological Consequences of Tree Cutting

• The widespread cutting of semal trees specifically for bonfires during Holi celebrations has led to a significant decline in their population, particularly in southern Rajasthan. This decline disrupts the balance of the forest ecosystem, affecting species that depend on semal trees for shelter, food, and other resources.

Legal Violations

• The practice of cutting semal trees for bonfires violates established forest conservation laws, including the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953 and the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. These laws are designed to protect forest resources and biodiversity, emphasizing sustainable management practices.

Community Engagement and Economic Factors

• Tribal communities in rural areas are often involved in preparing semal trees for bonfires, driven by economic benefits and cultural traditions associated with Holi festivities.
• Despite legal protections, the economic incentives for tree cutting remain strong, posing challenges to conservation efforts.

The key to conserving semal trees lies in reducing demand from urban areas like Udaipur for bonfires during Holi. Awareness campaigns targeting urban populations, businesses, and local administrations are crucial to shift cultural practices and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Conservation Strategies

• Effective conservation strategies require a combination of legal enforcement, community engagement, awareness-building, and sustainable practices.
• By addressing urban demand, promoting community involvement, and documenting ecological changes, efforts can be made to conserve semal trees and preserve biodiversity.

Source:

The Hindu

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Semal trees play an important role in the ecosystem. How do semal trees contribute to the environment? 1. Their nitrogen-fixing properties enrich the soil, benefiting surrounding plants. 2. The large, colourful flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. 3. The hollow trunks of mature semal trees provide a habitat for birds and small animals. 4. The fast-growing nature of semal trees helps to combat soil erosion. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: D