Surat: Green Man Viral Desai Leads ‘Mission Destruction’ to Eliminate Dangerous Trees

Surat : Viral Desai, acclaimed as the ‘Green Man’ and a five-time national award winner for his environmental advocacy, has initiated a significant campaign aimed at eliminating the conocarpus tree species in Surat. Desai’s passionate advocacy stems from the considerable threat these trees pose to the city’s biodiversity, prompting his ‘Conocarpus Destruction Drive.’

The conocarpus trees, once planted abundantly to enhance the aesthetics of the ‘Diamond City’ of Surat, have since been recognized as a serious detriment to the local ecosystem. Desai is set to lead the charge in removing these trees and replacing them with indigenous species known for their oxygen-yielding capabilities.

His mission involves uprooting conocarpus trees across various areas in Surat city and South Gujarat, replacing them with over two lakh native trees that contribute significantly to the oxygen levels in the environment.

The inaugural phase of the Conocarpus Destruction Drive commenced at the Jeevan Jyot Trust’s college in Amroli, Surat. Dr. Dharti Naik and students from the National Service Scheme (NSS) joined Desai in removing conocarpus trees and introducing native species in their place.

Expressing his commitment, Desai remarked, “I have persistently advocated since 2017 that Conocarpus is not indigenous to our region. I have extensively addressed this concern in my writings, emphasizing its adverse impact on our biodiversity. Initially, there was an unusual fascination for Conocarpus, but now, with the recent circular issued by the Gujarat government, I am pleased with their decision. I am resolute in removing the conocarpus wherever required and replacing them with suitable native trees.”

Desai highlights the importance of complete eradication, stating, “During the removal process, particular attention must be given to extracting the tree along with its roots. If not removed entirely, the tree could regrow, perpetuating our environmental challenges.”

The environmentalist’s efforts align with the governmental directives, and his proactive stance has gained significant support from various quarters within the city and surrounding regions. The drive signifies a crucial step toward preserving and restoring the natural biodiversity of Surat, reflecting Desai’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation.