Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

1.9 lakh saplings planted

PHOTO: R. M. RAJARATHINAM

PRESERVED: Water collected in a percolation pond following the recent heavy rain at Kannangudi village in Tiruchi district. —

TIRUCHI: The Forest Department has planted nearly 1.9 lakh saplings of various species in six target villages under phase II of Tamil Nadu Afforestation Programme (TAP) this fiscal.

Saplings of Neem, Naaval, Aavi, Nelli and Vengai have been planted in 900 hectares in the villages, four of which are tribal hamlets on the Pachamalai Hills.

The Department has identified Kannangudi, Kuppanurkulakarai, Thaneerpallam, Karunvengadu, Sembur and Solaimathi villages this year to carry out various activities under the afforestation programme.

The saplings were planted in 250 hectares each in Kannangudi and Kuppanurkulakarai villages, while the seedlings were planted in 100 hectares each in the rest of the four tribal villages. Of the Rs. 1.89 crore sanctioned by the State government to implement the TAP this year, the Department had spent Rs. 98.56 lakh for planting activity alone.

In addition to this, the Department was in the process of creating seven percolation ponds and 10 check dams in the target villages under the TAP with a view to improving groundwater table in around the project areas.

Two percolation ponds at Kannangudi besides one at Thaneerpallam and a check dam at Solaimathi had already been constructed under the soil and moisture conservation works till now. The rest of the water conservation structures would be completed before the year-end, said District Forest Officer D. Mani.

The recent heavy rains enabled in collection of water in the big percolation ponds, said Mr. Mani.

The Department had disbursed micro credits to the tune of Rs. 25.55 lakhs under the TAP to the villagers to enable them take up income generation activity and had carried out community development programmes such as construction of thrashing floor and community hall besides providing chairs and utensils for the benefit the target villages.

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