Chennai's forest cover declines alarmingly

Tiruchirapalli, Jul 12: Tiruchirapalli's forest cover had been declining at an alarming rate and constituted only seven per cent of the forest area as against the global environmental norm of 33 per cent, according to Conservator of Forests (Planning) Aruna Basu Sarcar.

She made this observation while participating in the sapling planting programme, marking the 'World Environment Day' at the National College here yesterday. She also suggested ways to protect trees to NCC cadets of the College.

Ms Sarcar said the forest department had been facing quite a number of challenges due to extensive poaching and smuggling.

She called upon the people to protect trees in their neighbourhood. Joint-forest management and interface with the public had facilitated protection and plantation of many trees in private places.

She expressed hope that large number of women would take social responsibilities to protect nature.

UNI