Chennai: In an effort to conserve the indigenous palmyra species, the State tree of Tamilnadu, two flag-bearers from the city, Sathishkumar Pichandi and Santhosh Shankar are initiating a massive sapling plantation drive along the coastal region in Chennai beginning from Pattinapakkam to Light House on Saturday.
‘News Today‘ caught up with the lads to know more about their movement of conserving the native tree.
“Though we have been doing it all by ourselves since the last three years, this time, it was requested by National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) and we also got the permission (from the authorities concerned) to do the activity along the beach,” says Sathishkumar, a 25-year-old techie from Ambattur.
“The negative effects of global warming are already being witnessed in the form of cyclones, floods, earthquakes etc. Palm trees withstand floods and cyclone and minimise the damages caused to the fishermen hamlets along the coast. Moreover, the species is endemic to shores and grows well in beach sand,” says Sathishkumar.
It is the fishermen who bear severe brunts when a calamity hits the city. Their thatched-huts are gone and are they are pushed to the streets with nowhere to go the next moment.
Owing to the negative effects that global warming could lead in future, these young men are on a mission to save the fishing community with the indigenous plant.
“In the absence of any obstacle, air or water easily enters, thereby leading to destruction. When a row of palmyra trees are planted, it acts as a defence and secure zone to them. Since it is deep-rooted, it combats the cyclone or flood, thereby safeguarding their houses to an extent,” adds he.
In addition, the tree has the ability to create source of freshwater and exactly does the job of a borewell.
“In shorelines, it is impossible to lay borewells, during which such plants act as a water reservoir. The local fishing community can use the fresh water for their regular needs,” adds Sathishkumar.
Talking about the various benefits of the species, Santhosh Shankar, adds, “the biggest advantage of palmyra is that every part of the tree is of use. The roots of the tree go deep, absorb and store water and bring it to the surface when the water evaporates during summer season. It also ensures that the groundwater level is maintained.”
Various species of plants can be found in the vicinity of a palm tree as the fine roots irrigate and supply water and let them grow. For more details, contact 9994969088.