Mindless felling of trees has caused extensive damage to environment, making cities a living hell; it is time we took some remedial action,” said Jayashree Muralidharan, Collector, at the “NADP- training and awareness programme for tree cover assessment to combat pollution in Tiruchi” here on Tuesday.
The programme was launched by Forest College and Research Institute, Mettuplayam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), at Kalaiarangam Hall.
“The Chief Minister has said that if 10 crore trees are planted, there will be 18 million tonne reduction in carbon in the air,” Ms. Muralidharan said.
About 30 per cent of the district’s area was covered with greenery and the district accounted for 1.65 per cent of the forest area of the State.
“If students participate in environmental conservation , it will motivate others to follow suit,” said the Collector outlining the importance of trees for a better life. The programme began with a presentation on tree cover assessment by A. Balasubramanian, professor and head, Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest College and Research Institute.
Similar programmes had been organised in Madurai, Chennai, and Coimbatore, he said.
P. Durairasu, Dean, Forest College and Research Institute, who presided over the event, said that after the completion of the programme in Tiruchi, a report on the key outcomes of all the four programmes would be sent to the Union and State governments. He stressed on the need for a complete assessment of green cover in the State.
“If we plant nurseries in every ward, within 5 to 6 years, Tiruchi would become a green city. Phytoremediation – treating environmental problems through the use of plants – is the need of the hour,” Mr. Durairasu said.
The day-long programme encompassed three sessions on : “Urban forestry prospects and challenges in Tamil Nadu”, “urban tree cover status in India”, and “air pollution with particular reference to Tiruchi”.
A field demonstration on tree cover assessment conducted by three assistant professors of the Forest College and Research Institute gave the participants hands-on training on scientific measurement of tree cover. At least 300 participants from 15 colleges under Bharathidasan University participated in the programme. E. Ramganesh, registrar, Bharathidasan University, spoke.
