Corporation to plant 23k saplings to replace green cover post Vardah

According to a Corporation official of the extended areas, Tiruvottiyur zone would get the highest number of saplings at a cost of Rs. 67.85 lakh. 

“Nearly 2,950 saplings have been allotted to Tiruvottiyur, while Manali will have 2,490 trees,” the official said and added that existing zones would receive 9,260 saplings. The tree sapling plantation project was mooted to get back the green cover that was lost during cyclone Vardah. Earlier, the civic body prepared a Rs 5.29-crore plan to plant 23,000 tree saplings and the state government gave its approval for the plan in September.

 “The spots for the tree saplings to be planted and the types of species were decided with the help of Care Earth Trust. Saplings will be planted at 209 spots,” the official added.

During the cyclone, nearly 17,000 trees in Chennai were uprooted and most of the fallen trees were foreign species. “Foreign species are not suitable for our climate and the soil condition. Due to this, we have decided to plant 23,000 native species that can withstand the saline level in our soil and accommodated in the space available in zones,” the official said.

Chennai Corporation also has finalised the types and number of trees to be planted in various parts of the city. Apart from Tiruvottiyur, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, the existing zone, will have 2,950 new trees at a cost of Rs. 67.85 lakh.