Farmers in Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) have commenced Bisan season cultivation with the onset of the Northeast monsoon, leading to overflowing in Papanasam, Manimuthar and Servalar Dams. Authorities are considering releasing water for cultivation. Advocates of nature propose planting trees along the dams to fortify their banks, asserting that trees can store water underground through their roots. This can prevent riverbanks from flooding, enhance rainfall, and promote biodiversity.
The farmers are planning to choose indigenous trees for riverine areas, as they are better suited to the land’s characteristics, natural environment, and rainfall patterns. Native trees play a crucial role in regulating floods by channelling water underground through their roots, effectively controlling the groundwater table. These trees absorb excess ground water and release it as water vapour through their leaves, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
Transplanting trees from their native habitats to different locations is not advisable, as saplings may decay in regions with excessive rainfall and waterlogging. Advocates argue that the steam emitted by trees plays a role in cooling the environment and triggering rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government is actively working to boost forest cover from 23.69 percent to 33 percent, having already cultivated seven crore saplings, as reported by the forest department. The Green Tamil Nadu Mission for 2023-24, outlined by Forest Department Secretary Supriya Sahu, envisions establishing 1,931 nurseries. The initiative focuses on planting native species like Syzygium, Ailanthus, Pongamia, Jackfruit, Palmyra, Ficus, Tamarind, Red Sanders, Sandalwood, and Melia Dubia.
The Green Tamil Nadu Mission is progressing vigorously, with Namakkal district alone producing 7 lakh native seedlings across 11 nurseries for widespread plantation. According to Sahu, the mission not only aims to enhance green cover but is also generating numerous green jobs, particularly benefiting rural women. The forest department is actively engaging school students by linking forest nurseries with nearby schools, encouraging environmental awareness and involvement from a young age.
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