Zahar Kheer (Neltuma juliflora): A Silent Threat to the Ecosystem
Zahar Kheer (Neltuma juliflora) 🌿 Zahar Kheer (Neltuma juliflora): A Silent Threat to the Ecosystem In the arid landscapes of Balochistan, a fast-growing tree known locally as Zahar Kheer and scientifically as Neltuma juliflora is quietly altering the environment. While it appears to be a hardy and useful plant, its unchecked spread has raised significant ecological concerns. 🌱 Origin and Introduction Originally native to Central and South America, Neltuma juliflora was introduced to arid and semi-arid regions worldwide due to its drought resistance. In Balochistan, it was planted under afforestation projects but has since spread invasively across natural habitats. 🌍 Environmental Impact 🔹 1. Groundwater Depletion With its deep, extensive roots, Zahar Kheer consumes large amounts of groundwater. In already water-scarce areas like Balochistan, this leads to a noticeable drop in the water table , worsening water scarcity for agriculture and human use. 🔹 2. Suppression of Native ...