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Prataprao Jadhav Urges Integration of Traditional Healthcare with Urban Forestry
Any Time News Network | Pooja Srivastava
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav has praised the Delhi Government’s ambitious afforestation initiative, describing it as a significant step toward ecological restoration and sustainable urban development. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, he emphasized that environmental conservation and public health should move forward together.
Medicinal Forests Proposed
The Minister recommended that at least 20 percent of plantations in the proposed eight urban forests be dedicated to medicinal plant species. Alternatively, he suggested developing two forests exclusively as medicinal forests to strengthen India’s AYUSH ecosystem.
Native Species to Restore Ecology
Welcoming the plan to replace invasive species such as Prosopis and Babul with native trees including Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun, and Jamun, Jadhav said the initiative would revive Delhi Ridge, improve air quality, and reinforce the capital’s ecological resilience.
Boost to Biodiversity and Eco-Tourism
According to the Minister, medicinal forests would ensure a sustainable supply of quality raw materials for the AYUSH sector while promoting biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, scientific research, and eco-tourism across the National Capital Region.
List of Medicinal Plants Shared
Jadhav also shared a suggested list of medicinal species suitable for Delhi’s agro-climatic conditions, including Ashwagandha, Giloy, Tulsi, Brahmi, Shatavari, Amla, Arjun, Ashoka, Neem, Bael, and Jamun. He expressed confidence that the initiative could become a national model for integrating urban forestry with traditional healthcare and environmental management.
