GCC Prepares 121 Nursery Beds to Plant 12 Lakh Saplings in Chennai by 2027
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has established 121 nursery beds across 19 public parks to raise more than 60,500 native tree saplings as part of an initiative to expand the city's green cover. This environmental drive is being implemented alongside ongoing roadside greening and landscaping work along the six-kilometre stretch between Kathipara Junction and the Chennai airport.
The civic body has set an ultimate target of planting 12 lakh saplings across Chennai during the 2026-27 period. The tree-planting initiative follows official instructions issued by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to district administrations, directing them to increase greenery in parks, open spaces, road medians, and other public places.
For the immediate term, the GCC plans to plant 1 lakh saplings during June and July. The corporation has already made significant progress toward this seasonal goal, with 40,993 saplings supplied and planted across all 15 zones of Chennai.
The 121 nursery beds are being used to cultivate a variety of native species. Among the trees currently being raised are almond, Neermaruthu, Sarakondrai, Poovarasu, Pungan, Neem, and Gundumani.
This year's expanded planting targets build on the GCC's greening efforts from the previous year. Last year, the corporation planted a total of 86,800 saplings. This included 44,165 native trees of 28 different species raised directly by the civic body, as well as 42,635 saplings planted in collaboration with the Forest Department and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
In addition to the tree saplings, the city's greening efforts have also focused on lower-level vegetation. Approximately 10,000 flowering ornamental shrubs have been planted along traffic islands and road medians across the city.
At the same time, beautification work along the six-kilometre corridor connecting the Chennai airport to Kathipara Junction is underway. According to an official release, this project includes landscaping, decorative lighting, and roadside greening to enhance the visual appeal of the major thoroughfare.
