Baehra tree to be axed in Mohali

The Baehra tree, known to the scientific community as Terminalia bellirica, may soon lose its Mohali residence. The tree is commonly found in Mohali. Some of its characteristics include a long shedding period, great height and also a peculiar smell from the fruit as it rots especially during monsoons. These are creating problems for the residents and authorities alike.

Keeping in mind so many problems, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has initiated a programme to replace Baehra trees. The process of planting new trees like neem and peepal has already started.

While the residents are concerned about the smell and the tree's height, the administration is more worried about the trees interfering in the electricity connections across phases 1 to 11 and the old sectors that fall under GMADA.

Baehra trees were planted during the foundation of the city. While the trees provide dense shade and the fruit that grows on it has medicinal value, the residents of Mohali could often be seen complaining. One of the reasons was that when the fruit falls to the ground and rots, a stench emanates from it.

Dr Satish Narula, a senior horticulturist of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana said that the fruit rots and emanates a smell when it falls from the tree. Especially, during monsoons, the whole of Mohali is filled with its unpleasant smell. Many residents of Mohali have complained to GMADA about the growing height of the trees.

Executive Engineer, Harbans Singh Dhaliwal said, "Many residents have filed complaints about Baehra stating that due to the height of the trees, these fall during storms posing a threat to commuters. The tree is creating problems for the electricity wires in the area with some being 40-45 feet high."

It has been proposed that the trees would gradually be phased out. However, to ensure that the green cover is maintained, new trees are being planted.

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