The Rohiro is more than just a tree, it is a living symbol of resilience, sanctity, and sustainability

• The timber mafia, driven by the high market value of Rohiro wood, has increasingly targeted the tree, leading to concerns about its possible extinction.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

In the arid landscapes of Tharparkar, where life has long battled the odds of drought and scarcity, the arrival of spring is marked not by lush green fields but by the vibrant bloom of the Rohiro tree (Tecomella undulata). With its stunning clusters of red, orange, and yellow flowers, the Rohiro is more than just a desert by the local communities, symbolizing resilience, spiritual significance, and ecological harmony.

A Sacred Symbol in a Harsh Land

Residents of Thar have, over generations, developed a deep cultural and spiritual relationship with the Rohiro. Known for its durability and solid timber, the tree has been traditionally used in construction and carpentry. However, its spiritual status among the Thari people has long protected it from exploitation. “Cutting down Rohiro trees and killing peacocks have always been considered major sins by the people of Thar,” says Manzoor Hassan Bhatti, a social development professional deeply familiar with the cultural and environmental fabric of the region. In the spring season, the blooming of Rohiro flowers becomes a spectacle that brings joy not just to humans but also to camels, goats, and sheep that are drawn to the colorful blossoms. The tree stands as a beacon of beauty and sustenance in a largely barren environment, where flora is sparse and survival is a daily struggle.

Flora, Fauna, and Fading Traditions

The Thar desert is home to a unique ecosystem that includes flora like the Rohiro and fauna such as the peacock both cherished by locals. But this delicate balance is under threat. Experts on the region’s environment and ecology warn that despite a government-imposed ban on cutting down trees like the Rohiro, some elements driven by profit continue to exploit them. The timber mafia, driven by the high market value of Rohiro wood, has increasingly targeted the tree, leading to concerns about its possible extinction. “There is an urgent need to protect this tree, not only for its ecological value but also for its cultural and spiritual significance,” says an environmentalist working in the region.

A Call for Conservation

The reverence for the Rohiro tree stands as a model for community-led conservation, yet legal enforcement and public awareness must work hand in hand to ensure its survival. The Sindh government’s ban on felling these trees is a positive step, but without stronger implementation and local engagement, such efforts may fall short.

As the spring blooms once again in Thar, the vibrant petals of the Rohiro serve as a reminder not just of beauty in adversity, but of the urgent need to protect what remains sacred and vital in the desert’s ecology. The Rohiro tree is native to Pakistan, and the Arabian deserts. It is a hardy species, well-suited to the arid conditions of the Thar Desert. The tree’s flowers are not only a visual spectacle but also provide a food source for livestock, demonstrating its ecological value. Recognizing its ecological and cultural importance, the Sindh government has implemented a ban on cutting Rohiro trees. This measure aims to safeguard the tree population and preserve the area’s biodiversity. However, despite this ban, some individuals continue to fell Rohiro trees, creating a conflict between conservation efforts and local needs. This highlights the need for effective enforcement and community engagement to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital tree species.   In Thar, where environmental fragility meets cultural richness, the Rohiro is more than just a tree, it is a living symbol of resilience, sanctity, and sustainability. Preserving it is not only an environmental responsibility but a moral one, rooted in the beliefs and traditions of the Thari people.

We demanded the government should impose Section 144 to ban cutting down trees to stop deserti­fica­tion in the area, which was already facing the brunt of climate change. The timber mafia was busy cutting down trees in the desert region with complete impunity and without any fear of getting caught. Many old trees had been chopped down in Thar particularly in Chachro and Nagarparkar, Islamkot Dali talukas. Every sensible and conscien­tious person was concerned over the dangerous impact of deforestation.