Coconut trees should not be grown along streets in Ho Chi Minh City, as they are among a number of species banned from being planted in such places, the municipal transport authorities have confirmed.

The Department of Transport made the confirmation in a report sent to the People’s Committee on Thursday, rejecting a proposal that coconut trees should be planted along newly built streets and canals in the city.

The local administration had earlier asked the department to coordinate with the Green Park Co. Ltd. and scientists to study the feasibility of the plan, which was put forward by the Vietnam Coconut Association.

In its proposal, the association said coconut trees, one of the rain- and storm-resistant species, would help protect the city during bad weather.

The trees could be planted on almost any type of soil, and would not require much effort to tend to, and thus result in economic effectiveness, according to the association.

It added that the trees would create beautiful and environmentally-friendly landscapes typical of Vietnam’s southern region.

The association suggested that coconut trees be planted on a pilot basis along the two sides of the Tau Hu Canal in District 8.

Meanwhile, Tran The Ky, director of the department, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that coconut trees are banned from being grown on streets, as fruits may fall and cause danger to people traveling on the streets.

Besides the trees, 27 other plant species are prohibited from being planted on streets, under Decision 52 dated November 25, 2013 by the municipal administration, Ky added.

These species are banned because they contain substances toxic to human beings or pose other dangers to people and the environment, the official further explained.

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