The Native 22 Trees of the Delhi Seed Bank

What comes to your mind when you hear Peelu, Ronjh, Doodhi & Dhau? These are Delhi’s native trees which have grown and adapted to our city for millions of years. Our local trees which save water and support the bird & insect life have diminished drastically due to competition with exotic ornamental species. In consultation with Pradip Krishen, Conservation Education Centre (CEC) and Delhi, I Love You we launched the Delhi Seed Bank project to lobby and convey the message to protect and plant these native trees.

The Jal Board and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation will be leading the plantation drive on their respective campuses and we are hopeful that more private and public institutions will participate in this initiative. CEC will grow the saplings in a nursery set in Asola Wildlife century and distribute them though public and private institutions of Delhi.

Over the Next 18 Months our objectives are:

1. To convert as many public and private organisations as possible to plant Native trees  and start their own seed bank and nurseries on their campuses.

2. To train gardeners from these organizations to identify native trees and encourage them to plant them.

3. To organize public events, and get media attention to spread awareness for the general public.