Collector S. Saravanan on Saturday inaugurated ‘Sanga Iyal Vanam’ (Forest of Sangam Literature) initiative held at Sengattan tank in Badlangundu panchayat in the district.
He launched the planting of over 1,500 saplings comprising 100 varieties of trees and palm seeds.
Under Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the State’s forest cover was intended to increase from 23% to 33%. The “Sanga Iyal Vanam” project was being implemented by the district administration in collaboration with the organisers of VEFS FOUNDATION KAIFA and the Irrigation Farmers Association, he said.
The work to plant over 1,500 saplings, including 100 varieties of trees and palm seeds mentioned in ancient Sangam Literature for their unique qualities, had been launched near the banks of tanks such as Sengattan Kulam, Paappa Kulam, Nilakottai, and Periyakulam, Mr. Saravanan added.
“Dindigul district is an agriculture-based district. Water management has been scientifically, traditionally, and historically mentioned in Sangam literature. Agriculture and economic development of farmers can progress only if water bodies are improved,” he said.
In ancient times, there was a custom of planting and worshipping saplings on the banks of water bodies to commemorate the deceased. Based on this tradition, endangered tree saplings mentioned in Sangam literature had been planted. Farmers must protect and nurture the saplings planted by the State Government. The tree planting was also part of an effort to enhance the forest cover of the area, as it lay on the Kodaikanal-Kerala route of tourists.
The Collector further stated that in the coming days over a 100 tree varieties such as Sengadambu, Neer Kadambu, Neer Maruthu, Idalai, Pani Vaagai, Kudasapalai, and Solai Vengan would be planted.
Published – November 01, 2025 07:56 pm IST
