2 weeks Ago By Swedha Radhakrishnan
Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will plant at least 250 native trees at a burial ground in Manali with saplings sourced from Rajahmundry. This is part of its initiative to plant trees on 212 burial grounds across the city. The civic body will collaborate with NGOs and Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the future to ensure long-term care and maintenance of these trees, officials said.
In 2023, the state chief secretary directed that burial grounds be redesigned as green spaces by planting flowering shrubs and trees, constructing compound walls, and providing basic amenities. However, due to a lack of maintenance, vegetation overgrew, prompting the civic body to carry out a mass cleaning drive at the burial grounds recently. The corporation initially planned to set up lawns at these sites but decided on native trees after it realised maintenance of lawns was not feasible.
"On Friday, at least 50 magizham trees, each about 12ft tall, were planted at the crematorium in Manali, and an additional 200 saplings will be planted within a day or two," said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran told TOI. "It will take only four to six weeks for the trees to establish," he said, adding that the GCC plans to plant saplings at all 212 burial grounds before the onset of the southwest monsoon in June. "Native species are better adapted to the local climate and require minimal maintenance," he added.
GCC will be planting various types of native trees, including marudham, punnai, and vembu. A team will visit the remaining burial grounds to assess the number of saplings that can be planted in two weeks. Drip irrigation systems will also be installed to ensure efficient watering, he said.
"Additionally, secondary water sources will be tapped from nearby Metrowater supply points to sustain the plantations. We plan to implement a plug-and-play concept for maintenance. After the native trees are planted, we will collaborate with NGOs and RWAs to encourage public participation in the care and upkeep of the trees," he added.
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