Residents complain about rise in invasive species of trees in vacant plots

Residents have complained about a rise in invasive species of trees and shrubs in vacant plots and government lands, augmenting the breeding grounds of rats and snakes in residential areas. 

Residents have complained about GCC officials’ reluctance to clear the invasive trees and shrubs, particularly Prosopis juliflora from vacant plots.

Mugalivakkam resident K.S. Kannan said they had requested Chennai Corporation officials to remove the invasive trees and shrubs including Prosopis juliflora because of the rise in number of rats and snakes in the residential area. “In ward 156, Mugalivakkam, Mettukuppam, AGR Garden, snakes have increased in the past few months because of the growth of Prosopis juliflora. We requested the Chennai Corporation officials to clear the Prosopis juliflora. But they refused,” said Mr. Kannan.

Ward 35 councillor S. Jeevan said the fire and rescue services rescued a cobra from a residential area a few days ago in a piece of land where invasive trees have increased in Muttamizh Nagar, because the Metrowater officials failed to clear the land. “We have requested the metrowater officials to clear the invasive trees after residents complained that the breeding of snakes and rats was rising. Nine parcels of land belonging to metrowater have to be cleared in my ward to control rats and snakes. I spoke about Prosopis juliflora in parcels of government land near Basin Bridge, along the Buckingham Canal. People are dumping construction debris and solid waste in the area. During the Chennai Corporation Council meeting last year, I complained about the growth of invasive species of trees in a parcel of land near a dilapidated EB Quarters. The Mayor ordered the Regional Deputy Commissioner to clear the area. But the officials have not cleared it,” said Mr. Jeevan.

Councillors and residents have stressed the need for a mass cleaning drive to clear such invasive species in all zones to prevent breeding of rats and snakes in residential areas. 

Residents in suburban areas have also complained about the growth of Prosopis juliflora in vacant plots of lands. Tracing the owners of the vacant plots of land will be done with support from the Registration Department, Revenue Department and local bodies, officials said.