New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Supreme Court has sought the Union government's response by October 8 on an expert panel recommendation for a ban on fast-growing exotic tree species Conocarpus, used for green landscaping in cities, including Delhi. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a court-appointed statutory body, flagged the Conocarpus-related ecological and public health concerns in a report submitted last month. "...must take instructions and file a response. These are huge trees...preferred in areas with a low water table," said a bench of Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod. Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the environment, forest, and climate change ministry, said the issue is being considered on a pan-India basis. "We will file our response." The court, which took up the matter on September 17 in the TN Godavarman batch of cases related to environmental protection, will hear the matter next on October 8. The CEC, which took up the matter on its own, said there has been a Conocarpus proliferation due to its tolerance to heat, salinity, air, and dust pollution. Commonly known as buttonwood or damas, it is an ornamental plant with a rich green canopy. The CEC said Conocarpus was in abundance in Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It said the species leads to alteration of local ecosystems, excessive groundwater consumption, and potentially risks public health due to allergenic pollen. The CEC recommended a ban on further planting or removal of the Conocarpus species. It urged the Union government to consider a legal framework for invasive species. The panel observed that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-30) lacks a nationally coordinated mechanism for monitoring and regulation of invasive alien species, whether plant, animal, microbial, or fungal. The CEC requested the court to direct the ministry to advise all the states to stop planting Conocarpus species. It said the plant is commonly referred to as "green desert" as it offers little or no sustenance for native insects, birds, or mammals, disrupting local ecosystems. The species is widely preferred for its fast growth and dense canopy, which offers quick greenery and roadside aesthetics....