Jaipur, October 16 (Udaipur Kiran): The Rajasthan government has begun preparing a comprehensive action plan to completely eradicate Vilayati Babool (Prosopis Juliflora) from across the state. A joint departmental meeting to discuss the strategy was held on Thursday at the Secretariat’s Panchayati Raj auditorium under the chairmanship of Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar, with Minister of State Otaram Devasi also in attendance.
Addressing the meeting via video conferencing from Jodhpur, Minister Dilawar emphasised that effective and permanent eradication of Vilayati Babool would require coordinated efforts among all concerned departments. He directed the Forest and Revenue Departments to issue clear and transparent guidelines to ensure that the eradication campaign can begin in every village without interruption. He further instructed that permissions for cutting the invasive plant be simplified to avoid legal or procedural hurdles.
Dilawar highlighted that Vilayati Babool is an invasive foreign species posing a serious threat to Rajasthan’s rural lands, pastures, and ecological balance. With roots extending up to 30 feet and a high water absorption capacity reaching 15 metres, the plant contributes to groundwater depletion and reduced soil fertility. Its spread has also endangered native plant species.
He urged all departments to coordinate in executing a systematic and sustained campaign to eliminate the species while ensuring that useful native trees are not harmed during the cutting process. Considering the procedural difficulties in transporting charcoal made from Vilayati Babool, Dilawar also suggested simplifying the transportation permission system. He proposed that, given the plant’s tendency to regrow, the state should design a long-term plan spanning three to four years for complete eradication.
Minister of State Otaram Devasi described Vilayati Babool as a severe threat to Rajasthan’s pastures, farmlands, and water bodies, adding that its removal is among the government’s top priorities. He called for a phase-wise eradication programme using MNREGA and local resources, stressing public participation and departmental coordination to realise the goal of a “Vilayati Babool-free Rajasthan.”
The meeting was attended by Dr. Joga Ram, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Panchayati Raj Department, along with senior officials from the Forest, Revenue, Rural Development, Water Resources, and Storage Departments.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
