Works were initiated to clear ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ (Prosopis Juliflora) trees from land earmarked to the Tamil Sangam near the Government Law College on Thursday by the International Association of Lions Clubs District 342 B3.
The initiative was a part of the centenary celebrations of the club.
“The land was once a waterbody and we are looking to carry out more such works in waterbodies in Madurai, Theni, Dindigul and Tirunelveli. The ‘karuvelam’ trees have greatly affected the groundwater levels and have destroyed waterbodies in the city,” said P. Reghuvaran, District Governor of the Club.
“This is our pilot project which we decided to initiate before the monsoon here and will take 15 days to finish,” he added.
Speaking at the inaugural of the programme, District Collector L. Subramanian said that while the ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ trees were useful as fuel for many families, they also greatly hampered the groundwater level.
“While the government is carrying out works with regard to protecting waterbodies from the tree, we seek cooperation of NGOs, Clubs and the public to be involved in it,” he said.
Corporation Commissioner C. Kathiravan said that while the initiative to clear the ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ was a good one, he urged the Association of Lions Clubs to also think of a viable alternative fuel for the families dependent on it.
“Bio-methanization is being introduced in a few parts of the State and it is a clean fuel which has been helpful in reducing pollution as well. The feasibility of establishing community kitchens powered by such clean and efficient fuel can be explored,” he stated.
The members of the International Association for Lions Club also said that they were further examining the option of initiating drives to clear ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ trees on the banks of the Vaigai.
