The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the Green Chennai scheme with an estimated outlay of ₹10 crore to expand urban green spaces and improve oxygen levels. The initiative includes setting up nurseries and distributing nearly two lakh saplings annually, aiming to tackle rising temperatures and strengthen climate resilience.

BulletsIn

• GCC launches ₹10 crore Green Chennai scheme to expand city’s green cover.
• Plan includes distributing nearly two lakh saplings annually for free.
• Three new nurseries to be set up in Madambakkam, Mylapore, and Sathangadu.
• Nurseries to function under technical guidance of state forest department.
• Focus shifts from one-time drives to structured, long-term plantation strategy.
• Ward-level monitoring and community partnerships planned to ensure sapling survival.
• Priority to native and drought-tolerant species suited to Chennai’s climate.
• Scheme aims to combat urban heat island effect and shrinking open spaces.
• Environmentalists link declining green cover to rising city temperatures.
• Past plantation efforts failed due to poor maintenance and infrastructure damage.
• GCC mandates prior approval for tree felling; violators face penalties up to ₹1 lakh.
• Resident welfare associations welcome move, stress shared responsibility for upkeep.
• Officials emphasize citizen ownership and consistent maintenance for climate resilience.