Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University which will get rid of the Acacia in the Kariavattom campus will replace them with traditional varieties of plants.
R. Dilip, Joint Registrar, Campus Administration, Kariavattom Campus, told this newspaper that the campus was full of traditional varieties of plants before it was replaced by acacia as part of a social forestry programme. After, it was found that acacia was causing health and environmental issues, the university decided to replace them, he said.
The social forestry wing of the forest department has offered to replace the acacia plants with traditional plants free of cost. They have also offered to maintain the new plants for a period of three years for free. This was beneficial to the university as it would generate revenue through the sale of the wood. Social forestry wing had replaced acacia in the same way at the Sainik School, Kazhakuttom, Mr Dilip said.
Though acacia plant was planted in an area of 300 acres, it would be replaced in a phased manner. In each phase, 60 acres of acacia plant would be replaced in six months, Mr Dilip said.
Psychologist Aravind Thampi said that the greenery was necessary on the campus for various reasons. One of the reasons was that it would ensure a cool climate that would catalyse learning. Greenery is associated with nature and will give positive energy, Mr Thampi said.
Landscape expert B.R. Sreekumar said that for campuses it would be better to have flowering plants or trees that give shade. It will also be better if the campuses are given proper landscaping, he said.
In cases of areas where there are direct access to students, it was better not to plant fruit bearing trees.
