10k palm seeds to be planted to prevent coastal erosion in Dhanushkodi

Ramanthapuram and Dhanushkodi are subjected to high coastal erosion and during the monsoon season most of the road is covered by sand. Areas along the coast are eroded slowly and sometimes turtles are also found nesting there.

Therefore, Ramanathapuram Collector N Natarajan came up with the idea of planting palm seeds along the coast. This would serve a dual purpose - preventing coastal erosion and safeguarding the road. Work on planting palm seeds has been handed over to the Rameswaram municipality.

Under the guidance of Rameswaram Municipal Chairman, Veera Muthukumar, sanitary inspector Aiyappan has begun the task of planting palm seeds along with the help of sanitary workers. Aiyappan said that 10,000 seeds have been bought from a private palm farm at Uchipuli.

A distance of 20 km (between Ramakrishnapuram in Rameswaram and Arichalmunai in Dhanushkodi) would be covered under the drive. The seeds are taken to the spot in JCBs and 25 sanitary workers are engaged in planting them. Around 3,000 seeds were planted on the first day and work would be completed on Tuesday. The palm trees have the capacity to tightly hold the soil besides playing a major role in preventing coastal erosion, said Aiyappan.