The Chengalpet region once used to be a land with picturesque water bodies, dense forests, and mighty hills with birds and animals roaming freely from one location to another. But over the years, as the country began to develop, every district and city in the nation saw a massive transformation in terms of its demography and geography. Chengalpet was no exception. Industries, institutions, and development had taken over it in a very short period of time, shifting the limelight away from its natural scene.

In an effort to bring the picturesque scenery back to its former glory, E.F.I. in collaboration with the Chengalpet District Administration, Chengalpet Medical College, and Tata BlueScope Steel took on the task of setting up an urban forest, the Ayush Vanam!

Removal of Invasive Weeds and Leveling of the Site

Situated within the campus of the Medical College, the site was covered with invasive weeds that were cleared at the beginning of the project. The land was later leveled with the help of machinery to prepare the site for the plantation.

Pit Work

Using an excavator, pits were dug at the site having a measurement of 1 cubic foot that will facilitate the plantation of saplings.

Plantation of Native Saplings

A total of 1375 saplings comprising 40 varieties of native saplings were planted at the site to improve and enhance the biodiversity of the region.

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 our partners, volunteers, and well-wishers for strengthening our efforts in creating an urban forest!