30,000 teak saplings planted to boost green cover in Tiruchy

According to the officials, the department has formulated the greening project which focuses on conservation of vital biodiversity in the protected area and in reserve forests. The department has also envisaged large scale tree plantation to increase the natural resource base even outside the forest.

In Tiruchy Social Forestry region, ten villages including Evur, Ayyampalayam, Thinnakonam, Jayankondam in Musiri, Rudrakshakombai, Pongalaikombai, Sirunavalur near Thuraiyur, were selected for planting 30,000 teakwood saplings with the involvement of more than 150 villagers in the project.

Accordingly, each village was allotted 3,000 saplings and the department undertook all the activity till the planting of the saplings.

“We commenced planting of saplings in October and completed it on November 30 in all the selected villages. We also asked the villagers to take care of them. In some villages, Self Help Group members are involved. After two years, as per the survival conditions, we give an incentive of Rs 5 per plant to the farmer,” said R Ravi Krishnan, Ranger, Thuraiyur Social Forestry.