The invasive tree species — “seemai karuvelam” — have so far been cleared from 806 hectares of land across Vellore district. With works to clear “seemai karuvelam” trees under way in the district, Collector S.A. Raman has urged NGOs to come get involved in the works.
The Collector, in a press release, said that “seemai karuvelam” trees were identified on 7,778 hectares of land across the district. Of this, the trees have been cleared from 806 hectares of area.
Threes were removed in areas coming under the control of Vellore Corporation, municipalities, and panchayats by the respective local bodies. Mr. Raman had inspected the work being taken up by the Public Works Department at the tanks at Kazhinjur and Dharapadavedu in Katpadi block.
He urged the NGOs to help in clearing “seemai karuvelam” trees. He added that an affidavit had been filed in the court as at least three months time was required to remove “seemai karuvelam” trees in Vellore district. He said that the work would continue till the trees were completely uprooted.
The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court had on February 10 ruled that “seemai karuvelam” trees should be uprooted across the State in 15 days.
