Teak saplings at the nursery of the city forest division. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, June 17: Scientists, forest officials and environmentalists today called for plantation in areas devoid of greenery to fight the ill-effects of climate change.

Speaking on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, experts said the adverse effects of climate change could be best minimised by planting timber-producing species in areas that lack green cover.

Specifying the local context, chief executive of Orissa Space Application Centre A.K. Mohapatra said: “Plantation of forest species (timber-producing trees) across the state has reached 13,892sqkm, which is 8.92 per cent portion of the total area. But, with the development and growth of Bhubaneswar as a concrete jungle, more forest species should be added to the afforestation drive around the city. While the city added around 3.48 lakh saplings last year, this year it has gone up to 3.50 lakh.”

“However, apart from planting timber species outside the tree-clad area, there should be adequate plantation along the avenues. Of late, it is found that most pavements are made 100 per cent concrete, so there is no chance of percolation of surface water to the ground level. The civic authorities and engineers designing roads should look into this aspect,” said Mohapatra.

Team leader of wasteland analysis at the centre P. Mishra, who is also a scientist, said: “The effect of desertification cannot be seen immediately in an urban space, but from the level of groundwater availability, the severity of the situation could be gauged. The civic authorities should make use of rooftop harvesting of rainwater compulsory and ask the agencies engaged in development sector to go for proper afforestation. We are also developing technologies to check afforestation claims made by the agencies,” he said.

Minister of forests and environment Debiprasad Mishra said even on the periphery of the capital city, proper use of land was not noticed. “We have a poor record to use land, as a result degradation sets in faster. Therefore, in and around the city, with construction of more smaller check dams, reclamation of wastelands should be taken up on priority basis. This will also add to rise in groundwater table,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, pro-chancellor, Central University, Koraput, Prof. Shivaprasad Padhi said: “All stakeholders should remain prepared for the consequence of climate change after the Tsunami,” adding, “drastic climate change can even result in submergence of areas up to Bhubaneswar which is nearly 50km away from the sea”.

Emphasising on the proper use of land, the plant biologist said: “With keeping the landmass open, we invite the process of natural degradation through various radiations. Therefore, more programmes for covering the land with trees must be taken up.” Secretary of environment and forests Arabindo Behera said the state had very few climate change experts.

Advocating a skill-level development plan on climate change, he asked other departments to work in a coordinated manner.”