Chennai Corp readies 121 nursery beds to boost green cover
- Greater Chennai Corporation has readied 121 nursery beds to expand green cover
- The beds will grow saplings for planting in parks, roadsides, and public spaces
- The initiative is part of the city's ongoing urban greening efforts
Chennai Corp sets up 121 nursery beds for sapling cultivation
The Greater Chennai Corporation has readied 121 nursery beds across the city to grow saplings as part of its push to expand urban green cover. These beds will supply plants for parks, roadsides, and other public spaces.
Each bed is designed to nurture saplings until they are strong enough for transplanting. The Corporation aims to use these beds to ensure a steady supply of native and ornamental species.
Saplings for parks and roadsides
The nurseries will primarily focus on species that thrive in Chennai's climate. Officials said the saplings will be planted in parks, along medians, and in other vacant spots identified by the civic body.
This move is part of a broader plan to increase green cover in a city that has seen rapid urbanisation. The Corporation hopes the new beds will help meet targets set under the National Green Mission.
Monitoring and maintenance
Each nursery bed will be monitored by Corporation staff. They will oversee watering, fertilising, and pest control to ensure high survival rates for the saplings.
The Corporation has also roped in local volunteers and NGOs for support. Residents can adopt a bed or help with planting drives scheduled for the coming months.
Officials said the first batch of saplings is expected to be ready for transplanting within a few weeks. The exact species list is still being finalised based on local ecological needs.
Part of larger greening push
Chennai has been working to increase its green cover for several years. The new nursery beds are one of several steps taken by the Corporation to address air quality and heat island effects in the city.
Similar initiatives have been launched in other metro cities, but Chennai's effort is notable for its scale. The Corporation has not yet disclosed the total number of saplings these beds will produce annually.
Officials expect the nurseries to be operational year-round, with seasonal planting cycles. The next major planting drive is likely in the upcoming monsoon season.
What happens next
The Corporation will begin distributing saplings to ward-level teams once they mature. Residents can expect more tree-planting events and awareness campaigns in the coming weeks.