The district of Chengalpet houses within it several natural wonders that are often ignored or missed by the outer world. Over the years as the region grew, natural wonders such as streams, lakes, ponds, and forests soon began to lose their identity to the wrath of expansion, urbanisation and modernisation.

In an effort to bring back the natural glory of the region, E.F.I has collaborated with the District Administration on several fronts such as lake and pond restoration, afforestation projects, and public environment sensitization initiatives. The Thamizhvanam Afforestation project is one such project executed with funding support from NTT Data.

Located in the Oonamanchery village, the Thamizhvanam is an upcoming forest that is set to enhance and improve the green cover of the region.

Deweeding and Levelling:

Covered with invasive weeds such as Prosopis juliflora, and overgrown thorny shrubs, the area was first deweeded without removing the existing native trees on site. With the help of machinery, the land was then leveled.

Protective Fencing:

The boundary of the site was fenced to ensure there is no harm or damage to the saplings that would be planted on site. This would help in restricting access to cattle that could graze on the site.

Excavation:

With the help of excavators, pits were dug out on the land to prepare for the tree plantation. A total of 1200 pits were dug during this activity.

Plumbing and Water Work:

Pipes were laid on site to connect the borewell to the plantation. This shall help in watering the saplings on a regular basis.

Plantation of Native Saplings:

A total of 1200 saplings comprising of 40 varieties were planted in Thamizhvanam. Given below are the list of saplings planted:

Tree varieties:                                    Fruit bearing varieties:                               Herbs:

1. Iluppai                                      1. Aththi                                                        1. Karuveppilai
2. Sorgham                                   2. Pala                                                           2. Agathi
3. Magizham                                3. Jaamun                                                      3. Tulsi white
4. Silver Oak                                4. Mundhiri                                                   4. Tulsi black
5. Karungali                                 5. Puliya maram                                           5. Omavalli
6. Mahagony                                6. Ma maram                                                6. Thoothuvalai
7. Vengai                                      7. Badam                                                       7. Vallarai
8. Rosewood                                8. Kodukkapuli                      
9. Redwood                                  9. Arai nelli
10. Neer Maruthu                          10. Periya nelli
11. Thekku                                     11. Guava
12. Vilvam                                     12. Naarthai
13. Pungai                                      13. Lemon
14. Poovarasu                                14. Seethapalam
15. Ashoka maram

Flower bearing varieties:

1. Siriyanangai
2. Periyanangai
3. Hibiscus (5 varieties)
4. Rose
5. Paarijatham
6. Thanga arali
7. Arali
8. Nandhiyavattai (adukku)
9. Nandhiyavattai (othai)
10. Jasmine (2 layer)
11. Kakkirattan
12. Kerala mullai.

We thank all those who supported us in this initiative.