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Time of India
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
10 fast-growing trees in India that you can plant for cooling shade
In a country where the sun can blaze for months and temperatures soar past 45°C, planting trees isn't just a green initiative—it's a necessity. Trees don't just make our surroundings prettier; they cool the ground, purify the air, reduce energy use, and offer welcoming shade. And if you don't want to wait decades to see results, you're in luck. Some trees grow fast and start providing shade in just a few years. Whether it's your backyard, a school campus, or a roadside stretch, here are ten fast-growing trees in India that you can plant to enjoy a cooling canopy sooner than you'd expect. Want shade and greenery quick? 10 fast-growing trees to plant now including Neem , Kadamb, and more 1. Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) Time to grow: 3–4 years Shade: Dense, rounded, cooling The Karanj is a native Indian tree that grows quickly, even in degraded or waterlogged soils. Its thick, evergreen leaves offer rich shade. It also enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation and is used in biodiesel production. A sustainable choice for both cities and rural landscapes. 2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Time to grow: 1–2 years for functional shade Type of shade: Light and patchy Also called the drumstick tree, moringa can reach up to 4–5 metres within one growing season. While it doesn't have dense foliage, its feathery leaves offer mild shade—great for kitchen gardens and schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 3. Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) Time to grow: 2–3 years for moderate shade Type of shade: Light to medium, dappled shade Subabul is a small to medium-sized tree known for its speedy growth. It's ideal for rural fencing and fuelwood, and its open canopy offers light, cool shade. Grows quickly even in poor soils. 4. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata) Time to grow: 2–3 years for usable shade Type of shade: Moderate, seasonal With striking red flowers and fast upward growth, the coral tree is often planted around farms. It offers partial shade in warm months and drops leaves in winter, making it good for mixed-use areas. 5. Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) Time to grow: 3–4 years for full canopy Type of shade: Dense, round canopy The kadamba is revered for its beauty and shade-giving nature. Its thick foliage forms a near-spherical crown, offering excellent cover for parks, riversides, and temples. Birds love it too! 6. Siris (Albizia lebbeck) Time to grow: 2–3 years for wide shade Type of shade: Spreading, moderately dense The siris tree develops a broad, umbrella-like canopy quickly and is great for both city and rural environments. Its leaf litter also enriches the soil, making it a smart eco-friendly option. 7. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) Time to grow: 3–4 years for substantial shade Type of shade: Sparse to moderate, vertical shade Eucalyptus trees shoot up quickly and are great for reforestation and open farmlands. While they don't provide very dense shade, their height offers heat protection and strong wind barriers. 8. Melia (Melia dubia) Time to grow: 3 years for commercial height and shade Type of shade: Moderate and columnar Melia grows rapidly and is a preferred timber tree, but its fast-forming canopy also provides practical shade for farms and boundaries. Best used in rows or clusters for maximum cooling. 9. Gulmohar (Delonix regia) Time to grow: 3–4 years for full canopy Type of shade: Broad, light-filtered Gulmohar spreads horizontally and produces fiery blooms in summer. Its soft, lacy leaves give a filtered shade that's perfect for gardens, schools, and street boulevards. 10. Neem (Azadirachta indica) Time to grow: 3–5 years for full shade Type of shade: Dense, cooling, medicinal Neem trees grow steadily and are low-maintenance. Their thick foliage creates reliable shade that stays green year-round. Bonus: their leaves repel insects and purify the air naturally. Planting fast-growing trees is a simple, impactful step toward a cooler and greener future. Depending on your space, soil, and goals—be it shade, aesthetics, or ecology—there's a tree here for every need. Start now, and in just a few years, you'll be walking under your own green canopy. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
83 lakh saplings to be planted, 20% fruit trees
: In an effort to make Sangam city greener, approximately 83 lakh saplings are set to be planted by various government departments this year. Around 20 percent of these will be fruit-bearing trees, including mango, jamun, and jackfruit. According to reports, the forest department will plant about 22.45 lakh saplings, while other government departments have been assigned a combined target of 50.69 lakh saplings. District forest officer Arvind Yadav said that a significant number of trees were cut during the Mahakumbh festival to make way for development works. To make up for this loss, saplings including fruit-bearing varieties will be planted across the district. The forest department has identified Shankargarh, Meja, and Koraon tehsils as the key areas for increasing green cover. These areas were chosen because they have large patches of vacant land. Efforts will focus on planting trees in dried-up ponds, barren land, and fields where trees have died. Neem, Peepal, and Gulmohar trees will be planted in most of these areas. From July onwards, several departments will begin planting trees according to their assigned targets. These include: Environment Department: 2.27 lakh Rural Development Department: 29.98 lakh Revenue Department: 2.51 lakh Panchayati Raj Department: 3.40 lakh Urban Development Department: 1.37 lakh Agriculture Department: 5.99 lakh Horticulture Department: 3.69 lakh Basic Education Department: 30,000 Secondary Education Department: 18,000 Higher Education Department: 24,000 Health Department: 12,000 Cooperative Department: 13,000 Industry Department: 8,000 Railways: 15,000 Transport Department: 1,800 Defence: 4,000 This large-scale plantation drive is part of the city's ongoing commitment to enhance its green spaces and improve the environment for its residents.
India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Neem: Monsoon super herb that fights 5 common skin problems naturally
In India, especially during the monsoon season, people frequently experience skin problems due to high moisture and humidity levels. For thousands of years, Neem has been used in Indian dermatology, with varying applications for many skin conditions, across traditions. The leaves, oil and extracts of Neem contain different bioactive compounds, including nimbidin, azadirachtin and flavonoids, which are considered to provide antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The combination of these bioactive compounds enables Neem to create a formidable line of defence against skin infections and irritations, which can begin or worsen during the monsoon season. All you need to know from the expert Dr. Shruthi M Hegde, B.A.M.S, M.D, Ayurveda Expert-Discovery Sciences Group, Research & Development Centre, Himalaya Wellness Company, Bengaluru. advertisementHumidity increases perspiration and oil production on the skin, which can increase the potential for bacterial and fungal pathogens. This can lead to several skin irritations, such as acne, fungal infections, eczema-like rashes, or irritation. Most of Neem's antimicrobial properties have been supported by several scientific studies, indicating that Neem inhibits acne-causing bacteria and leads to decreased skin inflammatory responses, therefore reducing irritation and new pimples. The antifungal activity is relevant, as many normal fungal pathogens associated with athlete's foot and ringworm commonly thrive in damp and humid environments.1. Acne is very common during the rainy season because the humid climate leads to increased sweat and oil production, which can clog pores and result in blackheads and pimples. Research in India has shown that Neem's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce bacteria and soothe inflamed 2. Eczema, which causes itchy and inflamed patches on the skin, can worsen in the monsoon humidity. Neem has been found to reduce inflammation and combat infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for soothing eczema flare-ups. Neem contains various phytocompounds, including flavonoids and azadiradione, known for their ability to reduce swelling and eliminate germs.3. Psoriasis, which leads to thick, red, scaly patches on the skin, can also fluctuate or worsen during the humid monsoon season. A study in India indicated that Neem leaf extract helped improve psoriasis symptoms. Neem is recognised for supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation, which may aid in healing the skin and minimising flare-ups. Additionally, Neem oil is noted for its wound-healing properties, making it useful for treating psoriasis topically.4. The increased humidity of the monsoon creates favourable conditions for fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis. Neem possesses excellent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit fungal growth, promote healing, and mitigate soaking clothes, allergens from plants, and soaps can cause skin allergies or contact dermatitis, producing itchy red rashes. Neem has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may help reduce allergic inflammation and itching associated with dermatitis. The application of Neem pastes or extracts to itchy rash areas may provide better relief and offer protection against the development of secondary short, Neem's antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a treasured natural remedy for managing common monsoon-related skin issues.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
14 acres of Gadag MGRDPR University turn into green oasis
Hubballi: SBI Foundation has developed 14 acres at Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (MGRDPR) University campus in Nagavi, Gadag. The hilly space, which was filled with bushes, has turned into a green farm with more than 19,000 saplings, thanks to SBI Jan-Van project. Dr Suresh V Nadagoudar, registrar and (acting) vice-chancellor of the varsity, told TOI that the SBI Foundation exclusively selected MGRDPR University from the entire Karnataka to implement the SBI Jan-Van project. "This initiative, launched in collaboration with Sankalpa Rural Development Society (SRDS), is a step toward environmental conservation. This mini forest has become an excellent spot for the leisure of the people of Gadag. It also offers our students a rare opportunity to experience and connect with the environment. With a dedicated water supply, greenery, and cleanliness, a pure and sustainable ecosystem has been created here," he said. The forest has a check dam, open gym, meeting space, borewells and recharge units, trenches, gully plugs, solar lights and benches. A wide variety of trees, including Banyan, Neem, Tamarind, Simarouba, Teak, Tabebuia, Bengali, Indian Ash, Guava, Custard Apple, Jamun, Peepal, Fig, and Honge (Pongamia), have been planted here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Sanjay Prakash, managing director, SBI Foundation, Mumbai, said their Jan-Van plantation and 'Gram Saksham' watershed development work in Gadag district have helped in increasing the greenery and improving groundwater levels. The collaborative work from SBI Foundation, Sankalpa, MGRDPRU and the gram panchayats stands as a testament to how collective efforts can bring gradual impact on the ground," he commented. Sikandar Meeranayak, CEO, SRDS, Gadag, said to ensure water supply during the summer and prevent scarcity, 20-25 water tankers are brought in every month to water the plants. "This has resulted in the healthy, well-nourished growth of plants. The open meeting space is available for small gatherings and cultural programmes. Roofing sheets and curtains have been installed around the area. As a preventive measure against borewell depletion in the future, the Twin Ring Recharge Method (a technique for recharging borewells by capturing rainwater and directing it into the ground through a filtration system using cement rings) has been implemented," he said.
Time Business News
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Naturally Controlling Inflammation: Betamethasone Alternatives in Ayurveda
You may be aware of how quickly steroids like Betamethasone or other steroid medicines work to calm inflammation symptoms if they have been prescribed to you. Steroids, however, when taken over the long term, bring in unwanted consequences like thinning of skin, hormonal imbalance, or weakness in immunity. Luckily, Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda, offers alternatives to manage inflammation without using powerful chemicals. In this article, we will see how Ayurveda handles inflammation from the inside out and how you can safely move away from steroids with natural healing and lifestyle changes. You can also learn about betamethasone sodium phosphate tablet uses in this article, so keep in touch with us. In Ayurveda, inflammation is typically linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha—the body's energy of heat and change. If Pitta gets out of balance, it can lead to redness, swelling, burning, and irritation, especially in the skin or joints. The Ayurvedic answer isn't a question of suppressing surface symptoms. It's a question of cleansing the body, calming internal heat, and getting back into balance. Ayurveda has a variety of natural herbs and oils that reduce the inflammation without any ill effects: An antibacterial herb with cooling properties, Neem stops the blood from infection and cools the inflamed skin. It is consumed in the form of a supplement or applied in oil. Also known as a great blood purifier, Manjistha reduces heat in the body and is employed for rashes, skin allergies, or acne. An ever-popular anti-inflammatory, turmeric fights off redness and inflammation. Use it with warm milk or topically using coconut oil for convenience. This herb fortifies immunity and helps in detoxification. It is ideal for people who experience flare-ups in the context of autoimmune diseases. This herb is traditionally used on eczema and skin allergies. It purifies the blood and helps in skin coloration. Your diet plays an important role in how your body responds to inflammation. Ayurveda suggests following these changes: Avoid spicy, oily, fried, and processed food. Decrease sugar and dairy consumption. Include cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, coconut water, and leafy greens. Include ground flaxseeds or chia seeds as sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas like fennel, coriander, or cumin tea. Chronic inflammation is typically aggravated by stress and lack of sleep. Basic Ayurvedic lifestyle modifications can: Do yoga, pranayama (breath exercises), or meditation on a daily basis. Sleep a minimum of 7–8 hours daily. Adopt a routine in harmony with the natural cycles (rising early, regular eating). Tapering off Betamethasone Safely If you have been on Betamethasone for a period of time, it is very important to taper off slowly rather than stopping cold turkey. Sudden stopping can cause rebound inflammation. Here's how you can assist the process: Slowly taper the dose as recommended by your doctor. Begin adding Ayurvedic herbs and topical treatments as described above. Use natural anti-inflammatory creams during tapering. Improve your immunity with Ashwagandha and Guduchi. Although these remedies are natural, everybody is different. For the best results, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who will prescribe a customized healing regimen according to your body type (dosha), medical history, and present symptoms. Inflammation is a cry from your body for balance and care, not a band-aid solution. Betamethasone may provide temporary relief, but Ayurveda guides you in healing the root of the problem with herbs, food, and mindful living. With patience and time, natural healing is not only possible, it's sustainable. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
