The Minister for Slum Clearance, S. Thangavelan, on Tuesday inaugurated the planting of saplings here in view of the 87 th birthday of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
K. Balasubramaniam, Collector (in-charge), presided over the function held at Syed Ammal Engineering College. K. Hasan Ali, Member of Legislative Assembly, A. Ravichandra Ramavanni, Chairman, District Panchayat, Babu Abdullah, Chelladurai Abdullah, Chinnadurai Abdullah of Syed Ammal Trust took part.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Thangavelan said as many as 87 saplings would be planted in the college premises.
Earnest steps should be taken to maintain the saplings.
The awareness on growing trees and preserving nature should be created among students, general public, fishermen by following innovative ideas.
The Gulf of Mannar was one of the premier biosphere reserves in the world.
The fishermen should cooperate with the officials to preserve the treasures of it, he added.