Context

Every year in Udaipur, on the eve of Holi, there’s a bonfire celebration using a special tree called the silk cotton tree or semal.

• Many semal trees are cut down illegally for this event.
  • This cutting of trees breaks several laws meant to protect the environment such as Rajasthan Forest Act 1953 to the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. 

About Semal Trees

It is a deciduous tree. 

• Botanical name: Bombax ceiba
• It is also known as Silk cotton tree, red silk-cotton, red cotton tree, or ambiguously as silk-cotton,  Malabar silk-cotton tree, or kapok.
• Known for: It’s an Asian tropical tree known for its straight and tall trunk.
• Formation of capsules: As the tree matures, it forms capsules containing white fibers resembling cotton.
• Plantation of trees: This tree is planted in Southeast Asian countries and regions widely  including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, southern China, and Taiwan.
• Unique features: Spiked trunk, fluffy seed pods (apart from beautiful flowers)

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Ecological Importance of the Silk Cotton Tree

• Protection to rock bees: Protects rock bee nests from predators like sloth bears with its spikes.
• Food : Tribal communities consume its reddish roots as food during the monsoon.
  • Food for larvae of moth: Leaves are food for larvae of a moth species called Bucculatrix crateracma.
• Significance of seed: Seeds are used by golden-crowned sparrows for nest lining with white cotton from its seeds.
• Provides Shelter: Nectar in flowers attracts various species like Dysdercus bugs, Indian crested porcupines, and Hanuman langurs.
• One-tree wildlife sanctuary: Since, this tree supports various  wildlife species including rock bees, the golden-crowned sparrow, and Hanuman langurs, It acts as a “one-tree wildlife sanctuary,”. 

Cultural  Significance

• Garasia tribe: The members of these tribes believe that they are descended from semal trees.
  • This tree provides these tribes opportunities for agroforestry and resources like food, fodder, and fuelwood.
• Kathodi tribe: This tribe  crafts musical instruments from its wood.
• Bhil tribe: This tribe makes utensils using semal trees. 

Conservation Challenges 

• Tree cutting for Holika Dahan celebrations: Every year, about 1,500-2,000 semal trees or branches are cut for Holika Dahan celebrations in Udaipur, despite legal protections.
  • The once-abundant crimson flowers of the semal tree are now rarely seen, indicating a decline in its population due to excessive cutting.
• Economic Opportunity for Tribal Members
  • Tribal communities rely on small agricultural plots, livestock, and manual labor for income.
    • They gather and sell minor forest products like bamboo, Pongamia pinnata seeds, and mahua flowers.
  • There are some Tribal members involved in cutting semal trees. They view it as an economic opportunity because harvesting wild trees requires less effort and cost compared to cultivating crops.
    • High Urban Demand: There is a high demand for semal trees, particularly from urban areas hosting large Holika Dahan events.
      • Disappearance of tree: This has led to the disappearance of semal trees from the forests of south Rajasthan.
• Lack of Formal Documentation: There has been little formal documentation or research on the topic since a study conducted in 2009.

Efforts for Conservation

• Semal Tree Conservation Mission’: In 2008, this mission was initiated under the Society for Microvita Research and Integrated Medicine.
• • The mission involves a diverse group of professionals raising awareness about the importance of semal trees.
    • They also advocate for using an iron pole instead of semal trees for Holi bonfires.

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