GHMC sprays life into dying neem leaves of Miyapur
The GHMC has completed spraying the fungicide in the Chandanagar circle in Miyapur. They are planning to extend the spraying to wider areas.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 31 Oct 2021 7:40 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A few days after rains hit the city, neem trees across Hyderabad started drying. Many people approached the GHMC to inform them about this peculiar new phenomenon.
"The neem leaves in my area turned brown and started drying," says Vinay Vangala, a resident of Matrusri Nagar in Miyapur.
When raindrops fall on the leaves of neem trees, they are affected with the fungal disease twig blight and die.
"Initially, the affected leaves are trimmed. Fungicide is then sprayed on the affected areas only," says Chandrakanth Reddy, a GHMC forest range officer. Bavistin, a fungicide composed of Chloropyrofos and Cypermethrin, is sprayed to minimize the spread of the disease.
"If it rains again, it will affect the roots of the trees," says Mr. Reddy but adds that there is nothing to worry about as it is a natural disease.
The GHMC has completed spraying the fungicide in the Chandanagar circle in Miyapur. They are planning to extend the spraying to wider areas. "It's not just a phenomenon in Hyderabad but one that is found across the state," says Vangala.
Mr. Reddy adds, "Pollution and climate change could also be long-term reasons for fungal infection in trees."
Madhulika Choudhary, a lake conservationist in the city, recalls her mentor Farida Tampal's words, "React and treat if the damage is done by some human intervention. The disease in neem trees is natural. Leave it to nature."
