DLSA launches tree plantation drive in Coimbatore

The DLSA, in collaboration with District Administration, and Coimbatore Corporation, launched tree plantation drive as part of Green Tamil Nadu Movement.

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), in collaboration with the District Administration and the Coimbatore Corporation, launched a tree plantation drive in the city on Friday as part of the Green Tamil Nadu Movement.

The initiative, aligned with constitutional duties, is being implemented by DLSAs across the State. In Coimbatore district, the drive began at Kongu Nagar in Kalapatti, in partnership with the civic body.

A 1.6-acre parcel of Corporation-owned land was earmarked for the activity. Over 25 saplings were planted by individuals from Kongu Nagar in the presence of Principal District Judge and DLSA Chairperson G. Vijaya, District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, and Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran.

Referring to a 2018 directive by the Madras High Court, Ms. Vijaya said that the order, issued by Justice Krishnakumar, had called for the collection of an environment fund and its use for ecological initiatives, particularly tree planting. “Trees help mitigate all forms of pollution. These efforts are a continuation of that directive and a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the environment,” she said.

The DLSA also used the occasion to brief the public on its services and encouraged individuals not to hesitate in seeking legal assistance.

Mr. Pavankumar said government-owned land was relatively scarce in Coimbatore district when compared to other districts. “In rural areas, temple lands under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department are more commonly available. We are in talks with HR&CE officials to utilise these lands for tree planting. So far, 17 such sites have been identified and allocated for the initiative, he said.

Mr. Prabakaran said the initiative would not stop with tree planting. “We plan to develop a play area nearby, and more parcels of land will be identified for similar plantation drives,” he said.