GCC announces Green Scheme for a cooler Chennai

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the Green Chennai scheme, at an estimated cost of 10 crore, to increase urban green spaces and oxygen production by distributing saplings annually to residents, schools, and community groups.Under the scheme, the civic body will establish three nurseries—in Madambakkam, Mylapore, and Sathangadu—by the end of the year, which will operate with technical guidance from the state forest department. Officials say these facilities will produce nearly two lakh saplings annually for free public distribution. "The scheme marks a shift from one-time plantation drives to a more structured strategy," said GCC chief engineer (parks) C A Balamurali. "The focus will be on planting the right species in suitable locations and ensuring long-term upkeep. We are planning ward-level monitoring and community partnerships to improve survival of saplings," he said.To address past failures, the corporation plans to prioritize native and drought-tolerant species such as marudham, punnai, and neem trees suited to the city's climate. Experts say expanding the urban canopy has become critical as Chennai contends with a growing heat island effect and diminishing open spaces. "The reduction in green cover across the city has led to a rise in temperatures," said Vetriselvan, an environmentalist with Poovulagin Nanbargal.The civic agency launched several tree-planting campaigns, particularly after the 2015 floods. However, subsequent cyclones highlighted the city's environmental vulnerabilities. Environmentalists and activists noted that many of those efforts to nurture plants and trees failed because of irregular watering, poor maintenance, and damage during infrastructure projects such as the construction of stormwater drains and relaying of roads. Vetriselvan said GCC recently mandated prior approval for felling trees, with violators facing penalties of up to 1 lakh. "Such rules would benefit the environment and help reduce heat in the city. We all must do more to protect our trees," he said.Many resident welfare associations in the city welcome the civic agency's plan for improving green cover. The Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association president T K Shanmugam said, "The civic body planted saplings on various occasions but failed to maintain them. If the responsibility is given to residents, we will be able to maintain them properly and help expand the city's green cover."Officials agree. Consistent upkeep and citizen ownership are necessary for the scheme to work, so we can strengthen the city's climate resilience in the coming years, they said.