Tourism Minister R. Rajendran planting a sapling in Salem in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.
A target of 8,23,700 saplings have been fixed for plantation across the district this year under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, said Minister for Tourism R. Rajendran here on Wednesday (September 24, 2025).Marking Green Tamil Nadu Mission Day, the Minister launched the plantation drive at Government Law College, Ariyanur, in the presence of District Collector R. Brindha Devi. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin initiated the mission in 2022 to expand the State’s green cover and to bring one-third of the land area under forest cover.Salem district, with a total area of 5,205 sq. km, currently has 1,331 sq. km (28%) under green cover. To achieve the 33% target, an additional 386.65 sq. km must be converted into forest land over the next decade. This requires an annual average increase of 38.67 sq. km., he said.This year’s plantation drive includes native and commercial species such as jamun, pungam, tamarind, kodukkapuli, neem, jackfruit, teak, silver oak, and malai vembu. Special emphasis will be placed on jamun trees to promote biodiversity.Earlier, the Minister distributed prizes and certificates to school students who excelled in environmental awareness competitions. Senior forest officials, law college staff, and students took part. Published - September 24, 2025 07:32 pm IST
