TN Govt apprises Madras HC of a policy under formulation for eradication of Seemai Karuvelam (prosopis juliflora) trees. Says final touches are on and that the document would be made available in public domain soon. Also says thousands of trees have been uprooted @THChennai
Additional Advocate General S. Silambanan says some villagers use Seemai Karuvelam as firewood too. Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari wants to know how many people are using it as firewood.
Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu says some villagers are dependent on Seemai Karuvelam for livelihood since it is used as firewood in tea factories. Says the eradication should be sone step by step and that there should also be ecological restoration.
Chairman of an expert committee on Seemai Karuvelam says the invasive species was introduced in Tamil Nadu during former Chief Minister K Kamaraj's rule to green dry fallow lands.
Environment Secretary says Seemai Karuvelam grows gregariously in forest areas preventing growth of other species and affecting free movement of animals such as elephants.
Chief Justice says Seemai Karuvelam ought not have been introduced in Tamil Nadu at all. Says it is the mistake of the officials who wanted to create an eye wash as if they had made dry lands green.
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