Pondicherry University Launches Tree Plantation Drive to Restore Green Cover Lost in Cyclone Fengal

As many as 1,040 saplings were planted as part of a tree plantation event conducted by Pondicherry University at its Silver Jubilee campus on January 3. The event was aimed at restoring the green cover lost due to cyclone Fengal which uprooted 104 trees.

The event was inaugurated by the chief rector of the university and lieutenant governor of Puducherry, K Kailashnathan. He highlighted the importance of afforestation in combating climate change and strengthening resilience against natural disasters.

The event was presided over by the PML Kalyanasundaram, member of legislative assembly (Kalapet) and K Tharanikkarasu, vice chancellor of Pondicherry University.

Kalyanasundaram urged the youth to actively engage in conservation efforts, stressing that environmental care is a continuous responsibility.

K Tharanikkarasu stated that the tree plantation was not only a step towards restoring what was lost but also a commitment to creating a greener campus for future generations.

Arulrajan, conservator of forest cum chief wildlife warden, government of Puducherry, also underscored the significance of afforestation in maintaining regional biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Mathimaran Natarajan, special officer, Green campus of the university said, "This initiative is about more than replacing lost trees; it is about laying the foundation for a sustainable future."

Clement S Lourdes, director, culture & cultural relations, Rajneesh Bhutani, registrar (i/c) and M Vijayakumar, university librarian were also present at the event. Students, faculty members, officers and staff participated in the event.

The collective effort in planting saplings reinforced a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and reflected the university's effort in integrating ecological restoration with academic pursuits.