State highway stretches in Perambalur district set to go green

Reducing the impact of pollution and enhancing green cover are the twin aims behind the State Highways Department’s move to plant saplings of various tree species along State highways and major district roads in Perambalur district. 

Saplings of indigenous tree species numbering 10,000 are to be planted along the highway stretches in the district that has Perambalur, Kunnam and Veppanthattai sub divisions. 

The saplings to be planted in Perambalur and Kunnam divisions are 3,500 each, while it is 3,000 saplings in Veppanthattai sub division. The exercise began a few days ago, with Collector S. Arunraj inaugurating the initiative by planting saplings along Senjeri – Koneripalayam highway.

A senior official of the State Highways department said avenue planting of saplings would be taken along stretches including Ariyalur- Alathur-Chettikulam- Senjeri; Perambalur Bypass road; Mathur – Thittakudi; Kunnam – Veppur – Vayalapadi and Krishnapuram -Veppur- Vayalapadi besides other major district roads.

The saplings would be planted on either side of the roads depending on the availability of land. If planting could not be taken on both sides, saplings would be planted on one side of the road.  Saplings of indigenous tree species are to be planted along the highway stretches with the twin aims of enhancing green cover in the district and reducing the impact of air pollution, the official said.

Saplings, which were six to eight feet tall or between eight and 10 feet tall, would be procured and planted along the chosen stretches and maintained by the department. Tree species including vembu, magizham, mahagani and naaval would be planted and covered with tree guards. Watering of the saplings would be done regularly. The plan was to complete the planting of 10,000 saplings during September – October, the official further said.