The Tamil Nadu government has issued orders for the creation of 17 new maragatha pooncholai or village woodlots at an outlay of ₹404.991 lakh. This is part of a larger initiative to establish a total of 100 such woodlots across the State, as announced during the 2022-23 Budget, to enhance green cover and promote biodiversity in rural areas.
The latest sanction is for the third phase of the initiative. The woodlots will be created in various places, including Manjakollaipudur and Thekkupattu in Tirupattur and Vellore, Palur in Vellore, and Kariyamangalam, Maruthuvambadi, and Poosaripatti in Tiruvannamalai. Additionally, the initiative will cover villages like Kasampatty, Chatrapatti, Puliyur Natham, Kuthiluppai, and Melapattu in Dindigul. Villupuram will see the creation of woodlots in Siruvangur, Kuthirai Chandal, and the Social Forestry Division in Kallakurichi.
The project will also cover Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Valikandapuram, Perambalur, and Kallakurichi in Tiruchirappalli.
As per a government order issued by Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, these woodlots will be equipped with essential infrastructure, such as bore wells for water supply, fencing, pathways, and park benches, in addition to planting native tree species to improve the local ecosystem.
In Phase I, implemented during 2022-23, woodlots in 45 villages were set up with a financial allocation of ₹1,125 lakh. Phase II will be followed with the establishment of woodlots in 38 villages and an allocation of ₹950 lakh.
With Phase III, the total number of maragatha pooncholai in villages reaches 100, marking a significant step forward in the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, said an official release. The government has also earmarked funds for the completion of ongoing work during the 2024-25 period.
Published – March 06, 2025 11:25 pm IST