As Chennai Corporation intensifies planting of saplings, waterlogging emerges a deterrent to green cover expansion

Chennai Corporation has started planting two lakh saplings this Northeast monsoon as it seeks to increase green cover in the city from 18% to 33% in a few years. However, waterlogging in several vacant lands, coupled with predominantly clayey soil conditions, remains a challenge to increasing the green cover.Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S.Sameeran said: “Based on the intensity of rainfall, planting of an estimated 1.5-2 lakh saplings can be achieved by December 2026, in addition to planting 1.36 lakh saplings from June 2026. Our overall target is 12 lakh for this year. It is proposed to prioritise the planting of native tree species such as Mahilam, Poovarasu, Pungam, Punnai, Neer Marudhu, Neem, Jamun and other tropical avenue trees like Peltophorum, Tabebuia, Spathodea and Cassia that are ecologically suitable and well-adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions.”Pointing to site constraints, Dr. Sameeran said waterlogging in several vacant lands, coupled with predominantly clayey soil conditions, posed challenges to tree planting activities and affected the suitability of certain sites for tree planting.As per the Chennai City Biodiversity Index (2025) and the recent assessment by Anna University (2026), Chennai’s existing green cover is estimated to be in the range of 15–18%. Chennai Corporation officials said the civic body proposed to progressively increase Chennai’s green cover towards the 33% benchmark through a comprehensive and integrated approach, comprising large-scale tree plantation across suitable locations, development of urban forests, avenue and roadside plantations, restoration of degraded parks and green spaces.GCC intends to promote partnerships with educational institutions, industries and other organisations. The civic body will also take measures for protection and conservation of existing trees and vegetation.On Thursday, the civic body launched a drive to prune trees along major roads in the city to prevent uprooting of trees during the Northeast monsoon. Published - November 13, 2026 12:52 am IST