New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to file a response by October 8 on an expert panel report seeking ban on a fast-growing exotic tree species Conocarpus used extensively for green landscaping in urban cities, including Delhi. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai passed the order after a report by the expert panel Central Empowered Committee (CEC) flagged serious ecological and public health concerns caused by the plant species. Taking up the matter on September 17 in the TN Godavarman batch of cases related to protection of environment, additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati who appeared for the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) said, "The issue is being considered on a pan-India basis. We will file our response." The bench also comprising justice K Vinod Chandran told the Centre, "The government must take instructions and file a response. These are huge trees which are preferred in areas with a low water table." The matter will be heard on October 8. The CEC took up the matter suo motu after it noted the proliferation of this tree being used by civic bodies and state governments due to its tolerance to heat, salinity air and dust pollution. The tree commonly known as buttonwood or damas, is an ornamental tree that is planted along the sides of roads to provide rich green canopy. The report submitted to the court last month found the tree to be in abundance in Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. CEC said the plant poses adverse impacts on native biodiversity, alteration of local ecosystems, excessive groundwater consumption, and potential risks to public health. The report said, "The CEC requests this court to direct the MoEFCC to advise all the states to stop planting Conocarpus species and also to list it as an invasive plant due to its ecological unsuitability." Only two states-Gujarat and Tamil Nadu-have banned the plantation of this plant. The report said that the plant is commonly referred to as "green desert" because it offers little or no sustenance for native insects, birds, or mammals, thus disrupting local ecosystems. It is widely preferred for its fast growth and dense canopy which offers quick greenery and shade, roadside aesthetics, and contributes to urban heat reduction. Conocarpus requires minimal maintenance and watering, making it an attractive choice for urban planners. However, the plant has a "deep and aggressive root system" that can extract significant amounts of groundwater, impacting nearby vegetation and water availability. Its invasive roots also damage footpaths, underground pipelines, and building foundations. During the flowering season, the tree releases pollen, which may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, and other allergic reactions, particularly in children and the elderly. It also poses a safety risk as its dry, brittle wood is highly flammable during the summer months. The plant species has two types, one which is native to the coastal areas of tropical America, ranging from Bermuda and the Bahamas to Brazil, and extending along the Pacific coasts and parts of West Africa; and the other found in arid coastal zones of Somalia and Yemen and across eastern and northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. While recommending a ban on further planting or removal of the Conocarpus species, the CEC also urged the Centre to consider having a legal framework that exclusively deals with invasive species....