Trees: True Blue-throat (Neel Kanth)- Save them

Maha Shiv Ratri Special

By Dr. O P Joshi / Dr D K Wagela (Environmentalist)

According to a mythological tale, Lord Shiva became known as “Neelkanth” after consuming the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean. In this context, the trees and plants around us also play the role of true blue-throats by consuming pollution, a form of poison created by various human activities. Being large and tall, trees continuously ingest the poison of air pollution through their leaves and the bark spread over their trunks and branches. Evergreen and large-leaved trees perform this task with greater efficiency.

Besides trees, the beloved plants of Lord Shiva, Madar (Calotropis) and Datura, have also been found to be leading in the absorption of toxic metals spread in the soil. Both of these plants are perennial. Madar bears white-purple flowers and has white hairs on all parts, with a milky substance (latex) filled inside. Datura plants have white flowers that are four to five inches long, and the leaves are long and smooth.

A few years ago, research students at Allahabad (Prayagraj) University studied these beloved plants of Lord Shiva and found that they can absorb and accumulate toxic and hazardous metals like lead, nickel, and zinc from contaminated soil. Samples of these plants, located at different places in the city, were collected and the quantities of the three metals in various parts of the plants (stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits) were assessed using established scientific methods.

A higher accumulation of metals was found in different parts of the datura plant. The average accumulation of metals in the parts of the Madar plants was estimated to be 12 to 22 milligrams, while in the datura plants, it was estimated to be 25 to 27 milligrams per kilogram of dry weight. Untreated industrial waste and urban wastewater flow into raw drains, where these metals reach the soil, from where plants absorb them according to their capacity. Lead, nickel, and zinc are said to be hazardous to human health. Lead affects the nervous system, particularly the brain. Nickel disrupts the functioning of the kidneys, which are considered the body’s filter. Zinc has the potential to cause skin diseases.

We should consider the benevolence of trees and plants as they drink the poison of pollution to protect our health. This task also has adverse effects on their health. In this context, we must reduce pollution and protect trees and plants. As we have the right to live, so do trees, plants, and other living beings.