As Chennai Corporation intensifies planting of saplings, waterlogging emerges a deterrent to green cover expansion

CHENNAI Chennai Corporation has started planting two lakh saplings this Northeast monsoon as it seeks to increase green cover in the city from 18% to 33% in a few years. However, waterlogging in several vacant lands, coupled with predominantly clayey soil conditions, remains a challenge to increasing the green cover.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S.Sameeran said: “Based on the intensity of rainfall, planting of an estimated 1.5-2 lakh saplings can be achieved by December 2026, in addition to planting 1.36 lakh saplings from June 2026. Our overall target is 12 lakh for this year.

It is proposed to prioritise the planting of native tree species such as Mahilam, Poovarasu, Pungam, Punnai, Neer Marudhu, Neem, Jamun and other tropical avenue trees like Peltophorum, Tabebuia, Spathodea and Cassia that are ecologically suitable and well-adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions.” Pointing to site constraints, Dr.