In a significant initiative aimed at protecting the biodiversity of Tamil Nadu, the Forest Department has embarked on an ambitious plan to eradicate the invasive plant Senna spectabilis from all forest divisions by March next year. The yellow-flowering plant, which has already infested 2,446 hectares across various forest areas in the Nilgiris, Mudumalai, and Sathyamangala, is currently being targeted for removal.
According to official data, the department has made substantial progress, having cleared 1,963 hectares of infested land. This leaves 483 hectares to be addressed in the next phase of the drive. The eradication process, which falls under the Policy for Invasive Plant Eradication and Restoration (PIPER), is being closely monitored by Kiruba Shankar, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The invasive nature of Senna spectabilis poses several threats to the ecosystem. It significantly impacts native understorey vegetation, increases the risk of forest fires, and diminishes fodder resources for herbivores such as elephants and deer. The eradication drive, therefore, is not just about controlling an invasive species but also about preserving the broader ecological balance.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s ambitious initiative underscores a commitment to maintaining the health and diversity of the state’s forests. This large-scale eradication drive, if successful, could set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at managing invasive species across India.
