The lush green heritage of the Braj region, encompassing historically and culturally rich districts like Agra, Mathura, and Firozabad, is under a silent yet severe threat—Prosopis Juliflora, commonly known as Vilayati Babool. This fast-spreading invasive tree has become a menace to the fragile ecosystem of the Taj Trapezium Zone, destroying native flora, endangering biodiversity, and putting additional pressure on already shrinking forest areas.

Despite repeated concerns raised by environmentalists and local communities, the Forest Department and TTZ Authority have failed to take concrete and effective steps to curb the spread of this invasive species. Experts believe it is time for decisive action with the monsoon season approaching. Senior Supreme Court advocate KC Jain suggests that the only way to save the region’s greenery is to replace fragile plants with strong, fruit-bearing trees like mango, guava, and amla.

Biodiversity expert Dr Mukul Pandya highlights the severity of the threat, stating, “A few decades ago, Prosopis Juliflora was introduced for its fast growth rate and drought resistance. However, it has now turned into a nightmare for Braj’s rich biodiversity. Its powerful roots hinder the growth of surrounding native plants and render the soil barren, where once lush vegetation thrived. From the banks of the Yamuna to the remote villages of Mathura and Firozabad, this tree has established its grip along roadsides, barren lands, and even protected forest areas. It’s a silent invasion—Juliflora is outcompeting robust native trees like neem and peepal, turning our natural greenery into a monotonous monoculture.”

The environmental impact of Prosopis Juliflora is far-reaching. Native trees like babool, sheesham, and jamun, which are integral to Braj’s identity, are gradually disappearing. Birds, insects, and small animals dependent on these trees are losing their natural habitats, disrupting the food chain and ecological balance. In densely populated cities like Agra, where forest cover has already dwindled to a concerning 3-6 per cent, the unchecked spread of Prosopis Juliflora is further deteriorating air quality. Social activist Padmini Iyer expresses her concern, saying, “On one hand, we have the growing menace of monkeys, and on the other, the expanding empire of Prosopis Juliflora. How can greenery survive in such conditions?”

The situation in Mathura and Firozabad is no better. Unplanned urbanisation and increasing industrialisation have already caused significant damage to the greenery in these areas. Ironically, the government’s apathy towards this serious issue remains persistent. Despite repeated memoranda submitted to the Forest Department and TTZ Authority, no meaningful action has been taken. While officials acknowledge the gravity of the problem, they often cite budget constraints as an excuse to shirk responsibility.

However, experts believe there is still a glimmer of hope before the monsoon arrives. They suggest launching large-scale plantation drives in both urban and rural areas. Instead of fragile and slow-growing plants, strong fruit-bearing trees like mango, guava, and amla, which are not only more sustainable but also beneficial for the local environment and economy, should be planted. Members of the Horticulture Society recommend fencing government land and ensuring irrigation and protection to successfully grow these trees. Fruit-bearing trees attract pollinators like birds and bees, thereby strengthening the local ecosystem.

The TTZ is an extremely sensitive area where the loss of greenery poses a threat not only to biodiversity but also to rising pollution levels in cities like Agra. Urban forests and green spaces play a crucial role in reducing pollution and regulating temperatures. However, if swift action is not taken now, the dominance of Prosopis Juliflora will only grow, causing irreparable damage to the region’s natural beauty and ecological balance.

Jagannath Poddar, coordinator of the Friends of Vrindavan Society, emphasises the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this issue. He says, “The damage can only be reversed through a strong and coordinated plan involving the removal of Juliflora, widespread public awareness campaigns, and large-scale native tree plantations. Local communities, non-governmental organisations, and the corporate sector must come together for this cause. The monsoon provides a golden opportunity to bring about change, but we must act swiftly and effectively. Braj’s greenery is in danger, and time is running out.”