Raising palm nurseries to increase biodiversity

Palm trees play an important role in strengthening the bunds with its fibrous roots. In  recent years, the tree has good demand for its wood, especially in the brick kilns. “Sixteen species of birds and bats nest on palm trees, making it an important aspect of bio diversity,” says Vinny R. Peter the communication director of the NGO. A few months ago, a palm tree plantation drive was launched on the Singanallur Lake. More than 500 saplings and 2,000 seedlings of palm trees were planted on the 4-km-bund of the lake, in an sprawling 288 acres. 

During the hunt for Tamil Nadu’s tree, the NGO visited more than 60 nurseries in this region but could not get the sapling here. They got it from the Kerala Forest Research Institute at Thrissur. “So, we started a nursery for raising palm trees. This is the first nursery exclusively for the State tree in Tamil Nadu. It will take more than three months for it to sprout. They will then be planted on the lake bund and on the bunds of other lakes in and around the city,” she added.

On the other hand, a nursery to raise trees, shrubs and bushes that attract birds and butterflies was also inaugurated near the palm tree nursery. These saplings will be planted along the lake’s bund. “The nursery will help in improving the urban landscape and attract more birds and butterflies to the (Singanallur) lake that houses 720 species including birds, animals, plants and insects,” she added.