Fri Jan 17 12:19:56 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Bans Planting of Conocarpus Trees Due to Health Concerns

**Chennai, January 17, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government has issued a ban on the planting and sale of Conocarpus trees, citing concerns about their pollen causing respiratory problems. The fast-growing, evergreen tree, popular in urban landscaping, releases large amounts of pollen during flowering season, triggering allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. Numerous cases linked to Conocarpus pollen have prompted the government’s action.

A government order issued by P. Senthil Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, states that the planting of Conocarpus trees will cease on forest lands, government properties, and areas near human settlements. Existing trees in public spaces, parks, and roads will be removed and replaced with native species.

Local bodies and government departments are tasked with the removal and replacement, facilitated by blanket permissions granted by District Green Committees. A comprehensive replacement program offers free native tree saplings to individuals and organizations wishing to replace Conocarpus trees on private land. Assistance is available through the Forest Department, the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, a toll-free number (1800-599-7634), and the “GTM Plant a Tree” mobile app. The initiative aims to improve public health and promote environmentally sustainable urban planning.

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