Chennai is embarking on an ambitious project to significantly boost its green cover, with the Chennai Corporation announcing plans to plant 1 lakh saplings starting on June 5, 2025, coinciding with World Environment Day.
The city is grappling with a serious green cover deficit, currently standing at just 5.28% of its total area, much lower than many other major Indian metros. In a bid to align with national environmental goals and create a more sustainable urban space, the initiative seeks to reverse this trend and enhance the city’s ecosystem through substantial tree planting efforts.Currently, Chennai occupies an area of approximately 426 square kilometres, housing a population of about 8 million. As the city continues to grow, the demand for sustainable urban planning has never been greater. According to guidelines set by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, cities like Chennai are mandated to maintain 33.3% green cover, equating to about 144 square kilometres of the city’s land.
However, the city’s current green cover of only 22.7 square kilometres falls far short of this target, placing it among the least green major cities in India.
Cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad have set benchmarks with much higher green cover percentages — 6.81%, 12.61%, and 12.9%, respectively — underlining Chennai’s urgent need to enhance its environmental footprint. The disparity in green cover has prompted the Chennai Corporation to roll out a comprehensive planting plan aimed at addressing the growing concerns of urban heat islands, pollution, and diminishing open green spaces.The green cover expansion will be facilitated through tree planting in vacant spaces, including the cemeteries managed by the corporation. At present, sapling planting has already begun at key sites such as the Mylapore crematorium, where 500 saplings are being planted, and the Manali crematorium, where 250 saplings have been set in the ground.
These locations, once repurposed for ecological benefits, will contribute to the broader aim of regenerating Chennai’s green infrastructure.
Starting June 5, the initiative will expand to various parts of the city. The planting effort will involve a detailed roadmap prepared by the Chennai Corporation to identify areas that require the most attention. The move is part of a larger effort to improve the city’s ecological balance, mitigate climate change effects, and enhance residents’ quality of life.In addition to the environmental benefits, this effort will have long-term positive impacts on public health.
The planting of trees and increasing green spaces have been linked to improved air quality, reduced urban heat, and enhanced overall well-being. The city will also explore avenues to involve the community in the planting efforts, encouraging citizens, local businesses, and educational institutions to participate in this crucial initiative.This tree planting drive marks a significant turning point for Chennai as it moves toward becoming a model of eco-friendly, sustainable urban living. With clear goals in place and strong civic support, the city’s future looks greener and more resilient.
The Chennai Corporation’s determination to not only meet the 33.3% green cover target but exceed it, showcases its commitment to sustainable development and building a healthier environment for future generations.As the city prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the success of the 1 lakh sapling initiative could very well set the stage for further environmental milestones, ensuring that Chennai becomes a shining example of sustainability in India’s rapidly urbanising landscape.
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