Nearly 15% of ‘seemai karuvelam’ trees have been removed across Vellore district, according to S. Ananthi, Principal District Judge.
“Vellore is a big district, and ‘seemai karuvelam’ trees have been found on 16,000 acres of land. These cannot be removed quickly, and there is a need for more time,” she told reporters shortly before flagging off an awareness rally on Friday.
Court to contribute
She added that there was lack of funds to carry out the works. “So, the Collector has opened a bank account in which people can donate money. From the court, we are planning to contribute the cost collected for surrendering and non-appearance for two months to this account. Usually, this amount goes to the legal aid but this time, we want to give it for this purpose,” she said.
The Principal District Judge pointed out that advocates have taken up work to remove the invasive tree species from 25 acres at Pinji Eri near Ranipet. “Lawyers will start removing ‘seemai karuvelam’ from five acres at Sadupperi from March 25,” she noted.
Ms. Ananthi said the work to remove ‘seemai karuvelam’ was being taken up following the direction of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. “People should be made aware that these trees grown on their lands should be uprooted,” she said.
The court, she said, had asked for report on the progress of work for every 15 days.
The rally was taken out by District Legal Services Authority, Vellore, and advocates associations to create awareness on the need to uproot the invasive tree species. Pamphlets were given to the public during the rally that started at the Combined Court Building, Sathuvachari, and ended at the Collector’s office.
Fund for work
Collector S.A. Raman said they have opened a bank account to accept contributions from interested persons for the purpose of taking up work to remove ‘seemai karuvelam’ trees. “Some persons came forward to help by contributing funds. With such contributions, we can provide equipment such as power saw or engage earthmovers to remove the trees,” he said.
The account has been opened under the name - Seemai Karuvelam Trees Eradication Scheme - with Indian Bank, Collectorate, and the account number is 6510916688.
