Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Panaiyaanmai Iyakkam removed plastic waste and liquor bottles from Kadayam forest while planting Palmyra seeds to restore ecosystems and prevent soil erosion in the ecologically sensitive region.
In a significant move toward ecological restoration, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Palmyraculture Movement (Panaiyaanmai Iyakkam) joined forces today to conduct a massive cleanup and Palmyra seeding drive in the Kadayam forest region. With the support of Forest Range Officer Mr. Karunamoorthy, the initiative targeted the Kadayam Dam area and adjacent river corridors to eliminate plastic pollution and restore the natural landscape.
The operation was coordinated by Professor and Palmyra researcher Paulraj Mosae Selvakumar, along with a dedicated team from the Forest Department. Key officials involved in the ground operation included Forest Guard Vimalraj, Forest Watchers Pasunkili and Mariappan, and a team of Anti-Poaching Watchers including Manoj Kumar, Kanagaraj, Manohar, Saktivel Murugan and Hari Krishnan. They were supported by a passionate group of volunteers – Jefwin Paul, Paul Joshua, Vishnu, Jaya Karis, Kavin Vimalesh and Shervin – who worked tirelessly to clear the wilderness of non-biodegradable waste.
The scale of the cleanup highlighted a pressing environmental crisis, as the team recovered more than 500 discarded liquor bottles, three large bags of discarded clothing and four bags of plastic waste including cups, sachets and polythene bags. Professor Selvakumar noted that the improper disposal of these items by the public poses a long-term threat to the region. He warned that these materials eventually break down into microplastics, contaminating the soil and water before entering the human food chain and contributing to serious health issues such as cancer.
The drive concluded with a symbolic and practical reforestation effort, during which the team planted Palmyra seeds along the riverbeds to prevent soil erosion and improve the local water table. The organizers urged the public to respect forest boundaries and dispose of waste responsibly. By protecting these vital ecosystems, the mission aimed to preserve the natural wealth of the Kadayam range for future generations.
