EcoVisionary

The controversy surrounding eucalyptus planting in Kerala highlights the tension between financial imperatives and environmental sustainability. In 2024-2025, the Kerala government allowed the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees to bolster its finances. This decision, however, sparked protests from environmentalists concerned about the potential adverse effects on forests, human-animal conflicts, and contradictions with Kerala’s eco-restoration policies. Background of KFDC and Its Plantations Establishment: KFDC was established on January 24, 1975, to manage forest resources in Kerala and promote sustainable development through forestry activities.   Area under KFDC: KFDC manages approximately 7,000 hectares of plantations.   Key Species Planted:   Eucalyptus grandis Acacia auriculiformis  Acacia mangium Acacia crassicarpa  Acacia pycnantha (wattle)   Alnus nepalensis Casuarina equisetifolia Pinus patula Rotation Ages:   Eucalyptus: 9 years   Acacia

As urbanization accelerates, cities face the challenge of maintaining environmental quality and promoting public health amidst dense development. Urban green spaces encompassing parks, community gardens, and green rooftops, etc., offer a critical counterbalance to the built environment, providing essential ecological, psychological, and social benefits. Mental Health Benefits 1. Stress Reduction Urban green spaces offer a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. According to Ulrich et al. (1991), exposure to natural settings can trigger physiological responses such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. These findings are supported by subsequent research indicating that natural environments facilitate quicker stress recovery compared to urban settings. A study by Hartig et al. (2003) further supports this, revealing that time spent in natural environments can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Green spaces pro