A 100-acre restoration project around the Orathupalayam dam basin in Tiruppur has received 15,000 saplings as part of an effort to revive native biodiversity and reclaim land affected by invasive vegetation.
The planting was organised by Vetry NGO in collaboration with the Kangayam Thuligal Trust as part of the Vanathukkul Tiruppur initiative. The event was held over the Ganesh Chathurthi weekend and brought together students, residents of nearby villages, public representatives, industry representatives and conservation experts.
The restoration site has been enclosed with fencing and equipped with drip irrigation to support the saplings. The initiative is aimed at addressing ecological degradation around the dam, where the shutters have remained open for more than 15 years, according to the report. The resulting condition of the catchment reservoir has included extensive infestation by Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species.
Vetry’s team cleared invasive growth from parts of the bund and riparian zones after conducting a detailed study of the area. The organisation also sought scientific guidance from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, or SACON, in Coimbatore. SACON recommended a selection of 50 native tree species described as drought-resistant and water-resilient for the site.
The planting plan is intended to support the revival of local bird populations and restore native biodiversity around the river ecosystem. The use of drip irrigation and the selection of species suited to local water conditions are central to maintaining the plantation beyond the initial planting event.
The project expands Vetry’s wider environmental work in Tiruppur district. Its Vanathukkul Tiruppur programme has planted more than 25 lakh trees across the district’s farmlands over the past 11 years. The organisation said the programme has recorded a survival rate of more than 80% following scientific validation.
The latest planting involved 200 students from the Kangayam Institute of Technology, 60 students from Kumaraguru Microcosom and 60 students from Tiruppur Jaivabhai Government School. The school group included 30 National Green Corps members and 30 National Cadet Corps cadets. Residents from Maravampalayam, Keeranur and Thammareddypalayam villages also participated in the fieldwork.
Kangayam MLA N.S.N. Nataraj, Tiruppur Exporters Association president K.M. Subramanian and SACON principal scientist Pramodh attended the event. The next phase of the project will involve maintaining the fenced plantation and drip-irrigation facility as the saplings are established around the dam basin.
