Retired High Court Judge Selvam inspected the progress of the removal of invasive Prosopis juliflora (locally known as Velikaruvelam) trees from irrigation tanks in Thenkarai, Siravayal, and Ilangudi villages near Tiruppathur in Sivaganga district. The inspection was conducted along with Palanikumar, Revenue Divisional Officer (in-charge), Devakottai.
As part of the inspection, the officials visited the revenue villages of Thenkarai, Siravayal, and Ilangudi under the Nachiyapuram Firka to review the ongoing removal of the invasive trees.
Officials informed the inspection team that Prosopis juliflora trees have been removed from all 98 irrigation tanks in Tiruppathur Taluk. In addition, notices have been issued by the Revenue Department to private landowners, and the removal of Velikaruvelam trees from patta (privately owned) lands is also in progress.
After inspecting the cleared irrigation tanks, Retired High Court Judge Selvam instructed officials to ensure that the tank bunds and surrounding areas are also cleaned thoroughly. He further directed that all Prosopis juliflora trees on private patta lands should be removed by July 30.
The inspection was attended by Tiruppathur Tahsildar Manickavasagam, the Block Development Officer of Kallal, officials from the Public Works Department, the Highways Department, the Forest Department, Revenue Inspectors, Village Administrative Officers, and other Revenue Department officials.