Chennai: A coastal afforestration drive taken up by the Tamil Nadu govt, after Tsunami struck the coast, is at threat as the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR &CE) is all set to cut down the trees.
Planted in 2005 by the forest department, Casuarina trees were scientifically believed to reduce the velocity of Tsunami waves in future. Over 5 crore trees, which were planted in Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, is being guarded by the local communities, making it their shelter and livelihood option.
The trees at the HR &CE lands in Pattipulam and Thevariyumpakkam on ECR would be chopped away by the dept, a move that comes at deep disappointment to the local community. A source from HR &CE said that the deforestration drive is to be adopted as there is no income to the dept due to the existence of Casuarina trees.
A local fisherman said, “The trees are all grown. Not only did they survive the devastating Vardah Cyclone, they had also provided shelter for many of us, who were homeless. We are against the tree cutting.”
Approaching the forest department, the villagers said, “We have lost many lives in 2004. We were told that the trees would prevent Tsunami. The department should reconsider the decision.”
The forest department opposes the move, but they are helpless as they said, “We can take action, if an individual does it. As it is the department’s land, we cannot take a strict stand. We will hold talks with higher officials and try to curb it.”
