Can the saplings gifted by G20 dignitaries thrive in Delhi
Delhi's Nehru Park recently welcomed 15 saplings from around the world, gifted by dignitaries at the G20 Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is now taking care of these unique plants, which include a silver tree from South Korea, a winter line from Germany, and a ghaf tree from the UAE, among others. Before finding their new home in Nehru Park, the saplings underwent a quarantine period at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in Delhi's Pusa campus.
Saplings are quarantined and acclimatized before planting
During quarantine, the saplings were kept in controlled environments to acclimate them to their new surroundings. An official from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) explained that the length of this process varies depending on the species, with some taking some weeks and many others up to two years. To ensure their survival, NDMC's horticulture department has created mini greenhouses for the saplings and hired a private company to handle their care, including weeding, soil aeration, watering, and pesticide application.
The NDMC ensures protection and care for the saplings
Environmentalists are concerned about the ability of these non-native trees to thrive in Delhi's climate. Pradip Krishen, a reputed environmentalist and author of Trees of Delhi, told Hindustan Times that each tree requires specific conditions to flourish and replicating those micro-environments will be difficult. He added that even if the trees survive, their growth may be stunted due to climate differences.
Environmentalists express concerns over the saplings' survival
Sunder Nursery, which planted several exotic trees in the 1920s, serves as an example of foreign species struggling to adapt to Delhi's climate. Ratish Nanda, CEO of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, shared with HT that while some trees at Sunder Nursery grew impressively tall, others experienced severely stunted growth. Krishen additionally emphasized that for trees to sustain themselves, they need a climate similar to their native country.
Sunder Nursery has experience with foreign species
As these saplings continue to acclimate to their new environment, it remains to be seen how well they will adapt and grow in Delhi's Nehru Park. The success of these trees will depend on the careful attention and care provided by the NDMC and the ability to replicate their native climates as closely as possible. Here's hoping for the best.
Who gifted what: A list of saplings from different countries
Besides the aforementioned saplings from South Korea, Germany, and the UAE, India welcomed a sapling from the US named queen's crepe-myrtle while South Africa brought real yellowwood. Frankincense tree from Oman, African mahogany from Nigeria, olive tree from Italy, camphor laurel from China, and sycamore tree from France are also on the list. The concerned authorities are currently taking care of the saplings and helping them all get used to Delhi's weather.
