<p> <br />Sources told Deccan Herald that neem, known as Bevu in Kannada, is no more a darling of the BBMP’s forest wing. The BBMP has decided not to grow neem in public places within the city limits. The higher-ups in the forest cell have instructed their sub-ordinates to discourage neem plantation. They have also been told to not grow its saplings in the nurseries. <br /><br />Reason may sound strange: If more neem saplings are planted, it would affect the city’s greenery! Neem with its medicinal values has got many enemies, who are against its growth.<br /><br />Confirming this oral instruction by the higher-ups in the BBMP’s forest cell, sources in the Palike said, “The labourers in the city have become enemy of neem trees, unknowingly. <br /><br />Even the saplings are not spared, as its sticks are used as toothbrush. A couple of days after the neem saplings are planted they are cut down. On inquiry, we have come to know that some labourers are using it as toothbrush.”<br /><br />Also, once neem is grown, some people plant a peepal (Ashwath) sapling beside it and perform their marriage. <br /><br />As the tradition goes, neem adjacent to peepal is treated among Hindus as Ardhanaarishwara. These religious sentiments of the Hindus are often exploited by the landsharks.<br /><br />Environmentalist Leo Saldanha, said that the BBMP’s decision to discourage its growth can prove detrimental to the environment.</p>
<p> <br />Sources told Deccan Herald that neem, known as Bevu in Kannada, is no more a darling of the BBMP’s forest wing. The BBMP has decided not to grow neem in public places within the city limits. The higher-ups in the forest cell have instructed their sub-ordinates to discourage neem plantation. They have also been told to not grow its saplings in the nurseries. <br /><br />Reason may sound strange: If more neem saplings are planted, it would affect the city’s greenery! Neem with its medicinal values has got many enemies, who are against its growth.<br /><br />Confirming this oral instruction by the higher-ups in the BBMP’s forest cell, sources in the Palike said, “The labourers in the city have become enemy of neem trees, unknowingly. <br /><br />Even the saplings are not spared, as its sticks are used as toothbrush. A couple of days after the neem saplings are planted they are cut down. On inquiry, we have come to know that some labourers are using it as toothbrush.”<br /><br />Also, once neem is grown, some people plant a peepal (Ashwath) sapling beside it and perform their marriage. <br /><br />As the tradition goes, neem adjacent to peepal is treated among Hindus as Ardhanaarishwara. These religious sentiments of the Hindus are often exploited by the landsharks.<br /><br />Environmentalist Leo Saldanha, said that the BBMP’s decision to discourage its growth can prove detrimental to the environment.</p>