Vilayati Babool: Narsinghgarh Pursues Scientific Control Initiative Before Costly Eradication

Scientific Solution Proposed for Invasive Species

Narsinghgarh Tehsil is embarking on a significant initiative to curb the escalating spread of the invasive species known as Vilayati Babool (Prosopis juliflora). The IRE Jungle Team has presented a detailed proposal to the administration, advocating for a scientific and long-term solution focused on ecological restoration and biodiversity revival.

This proactive step is informed by the costly experiences and environmental challenges faced by other states in managing this aggressive plant. The IRE Jungle Team formally submitted a request to the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Ajay Pratap Patel on Tuesday. Proposals were also submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer Dinesh Yadav and the Narsinghgarh Forest Range Office to ensure swift action.

Given the severity of the issue, the team has also notified Collector Rajgarh and DFO Rajgarh via email. Furthermore, they have reached out to the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Madhya Pradesh, requesting state-level recognition and guidance on the matter.

Costly Lessons from Other States

The IRE Jungle Team's proposal extensively documents control and ecological restoration efforts underway in various parts of the country for Prosopis juliflora. The team argues that controlling invasive species in their nascent stages is far more practical and cost-effective than undertaking multi-million rupee eradication and ecosystem restoration projects after widespread proliferation.

The team highlights Tamil Nadu's prolonged campaigns to control the unchecked spread of Prosopis juliflora, noting recent judicial directives emphasizing its eradication, prevention of regrowth, and restoration of native species in affected areas. In 2026, the Tamil Nadu government approved ₹5.55 crore for removing Prosopis from water sources, with an estimated first-year expenditure of approximately ₹1.81 crore.

This experience, the team notes, clearly demonstrates that merely removing invasive species post-infestation is insufficient. Significant long-term resources are also required for ecosystem restoration, continuous monitoring, and maintenance.

Delhi Ridge Also Serves as an Example

Similarly, extensive plans have been developed for the Delhi Ridge area to control invasive vegetation, including Prosopis juliflora, and undertake ecological restoration. A project estimated at approximately ₹1.09 crore was proposed to remove invasive vegetation from about 132 hectares in the Southern Ridge.

Additionally, a five-year plan costing around ₹12.21 crore has been put forth for biodiversity restoration across approximately 423 hectares in the Central Ridge. The IRE Jungle Team believes these examples underscore that widespread invasive species proliferation incurs not only substantial control costs but also prolonged investments in restoring natural ecosystems.

Monsoon Season Offers Better Control Opportunities

Punit Upadhyay, founder of IRE Jungle, stated that the monsoon season presents a crucial window for effective Vilayati Babool control. He explained that adequate soil moisture makes it relatively easier to uproot small and medium-sized plants, including their roots.

Upadhyay added that if campaigns are initiated promptly with scientific surveys and plants are removed from suitable areas with their roots, the need for machinery and labor can be significantly reduced. However, he clarified that for large and dense areas, scientific removal methods tailored to local conditions will be necessary.

Punit Upadhyay emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is not merely to remove Vilayati Babool but to re-establish the native ecosystem in its place, preventing the recurrence of invasive species in the cleared areas.

'Preventing a Lantana-like Crisis'

Environmental activist Ram Gupta also stressed the urgent need for early-stage control of Vilayati Babool. He warned that if this issue is not addressed promptly, its future spread could become a formidable challenge.

“It is extremely crucial to control Vilayati Babool as soon as possible, otherwise, it could become a major problem in the coming times, just like Lantana.”

Gupta believes that learning from the problems caused by the widespread proliferation of Lantana in many parts of the country, prevention and early control should be prioritized for invasive species.

Goal: Ecosystem Restoration, Not Just Removal

The IRE Jungle Team clarified that their initiative goes beyond merely cutting down Vilayati Babool trees. Leaving the land barren after removal could lead to the resurgence of invasive vegetation. Therefore, the team proposes prioritizing the natural regeneration of indigenous trees, shrubs, and grass species suitable for the local conditions in the cleared areas.

Scientific plantation can be undertaken if necessary. Furthermore, they highlighted the need for regular monitoring for at least 3 to 5 years post-eradication to control any regrowth of Prosopis in a timely manner.

Narsinghgarh Can Become an Exemplary Model

The IRE Jungle Team suggests developing this entire initiative not just as an eradication campaign but as an "Invasive Species Management & Native Biodiversity Restoration Model." According to the proposal, if this pilot project proves successful in Narsinghgarh, the same model can be replicated in other affected areas of the tehsil and subsequently in other parts of the district.

Proposed Work Methodology

• Scientific Survey
• Priority Determination
• Pilot Project Implementation
• Scientific Eradication
• Native Restoration
• 3-5 Years of Regular Monitoring
• Phased Expansion

The IRE Jungle Team has requested the administration to promptly form a joint team comprising relevant departments and subject matter experts to initiate the preliminary survey and develop a work plan. The team is confident that a small, timely, and scientific step can play a significant role in preventing substantial future environmental damage and considerable public expenditure.