CHENNAI: In a few years, the Chennai Outer Ring Road will have a lush green belt along the 60 km road from Vandalur to Minjur. Saplings of traditional species of trees are being planted in the space reserved for a public transport corridor in the future, which is in-between the two sides of the road.
A total of 11,900 saplings of Vengai, Thiruvaagai, Pungai and neem are being planted to form an eco-balance. Around 1,200 saplings have been sponsored by a college and 3,000 saplings by the Forest Department.
“The work began a couple of months ago and will take at least two more months to complete. One year old saplings are being brought in. Tree guards are being provided to safeguard the saplings from stray cattle that are in abundance all along the route,” said an official in the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC), a project associate. The project’s Phase II from Nemilichery to Minjur is currently under implementation.
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Apart from acting as barriers against pollution, the trees that are being planted at a gap of 6 mt - 8 mt will prevent top soil from being washed away during the rains and help retain ground water.
Over 35,000 arali (nerium oleander) plants are being planted on the space available on the medians. “These plants are more resistant to pollution and cows don’t eat them. You can find these plants on many highway roads. The plants and tree saplings are being planted by the contractor, who will maintain them,” explained an official.
Pattabiram resident T. Sadagopan, who welcomed the greening initiative, said that care should be taken to see that the plants survive the harsh summers that Chennai faces until the trees grow upto a certain height. “Traffic islands at Nemilichery and Poonamallee junctions too should be greened,” he said.
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NICA ID: 186544172
Plants on median of Chennai Outer Ring Road.
Photo: Special Arrangement
EOM