Salem's Green Revolution: 8.23 Lakh Saplings Pave the Way for a Greener Tomorrow

A verdant transformation is underway in Salem district as it gears up for an unprecedented environmental push under the ambitious Green Tamil Nadu Mission. With a target to plant a staggering 8.23 lakh saplings, Salem is leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future, marking a significant stride in the statewide effort to enhance forest and tree cover.

This massive afforestation drive isn't just about numbers; it's a testament to a collective commitment to ecological well-being.

Following an already successful phase where 3.01 lakh saplings were planted in the current financial year, the district administration, in collaboration with the forest department, is now focusing on achieving its 2023-24 target. The initiative extends far beyond government lands, encouraging widespread participation from every segment of society.

The chosen saplings are a diverse mix, carefully selected to suit local conditions and promote biodiversity.

Varieties like robust teak, medicinal neem, shade-providing pungam, and fruit-bearing naval and mango trees are central to the plan. Additionally, valuable species such as bamboo, gulmohar, poovarasu, and rosewood are being distributed, ensuring a rich tapestry of flora that will benefit both the environment and local communities.

What makes this mission particularly impactful is its inclusive distribution strategy.

The saplings are being provided completely free of cost, making it easy for everyone to contribute. Households can collect up to 10 saplings from local forest department nurseries, empowering individual citizens to green their surroundings. Educational institutions are also key partners, with schools receiving 25 saplings and colleges 50, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth.

Industries are encouraged to participate by collecting 100 saplings, transforming their premises into green oases.

Beyond planting, the mission emphasizes long-term success. Robust monitoring mechanisms are being put in place, with panchayat level committees tasked with overseeing the growth and health of the newly planted trees.

This ensures accountability and increases the chances of these young saplings thriving and contributing to the district's green canopy for years to come.

Salem’s initiative is a vital component of the larger Green Tamil Nadu Mission, an extraordinary 10-year project designed to plant 262 crore saplings across the state.

The ultimate goal is to dramatically increase Tamil Nadu’s forest and tree cover to an impressive 33%, a target that promises a healthier ecosystem, improved air quality, and enhanced biodiversity for future generations. As Salem's District Collector S. Karmegham and District Forest Officer A. Periyasamy champion this cause, the district is not just planting trees; it's cultivating hope for a greener, more vibrant future.