Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on June 5, unveiled several significant environmental initiatives at the World Environment Day celebration organised by the Environment, Climate Change, and Forests Department at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s Environmental Research and Development Centre in Guindy, Chennai, estimated at ₹44 crores. This green building will house an advanced environmental laboratory and an integrated monitoring centre for real-time air and water quality, and waste management.
He also inaugurated 14 abandoned fishing net collection centres across coastal districts, established at a cost of ₹1.75 crores under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Development Project. These centres, following the successful model in Kasimedu, aim to recycle ghost nets and plastic waste from the ocean, thereby reducing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity. Fishermen are incentivised with ₹40-₹46 per kilogram for collected nets.
CM Stalin viewed a short film on the newly announced Greater Flamingo Bird Sanctuary in Dhanushkodi, which spans 524.78 hectares within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. This sanctuary, a crucial part of the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds, will protect 55 resident and 73 migratory bird species. This is the third bird sanctuary announced by the current government, bringing the total in Tamil Nadu to 18.
Further bolstering environmental protection, the Chief Minister handed over appointment orders to 1400 newly selected forest guards, strengthening the Forest Department’s workforce.
Awards were also presented to individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to environmental protection:
- Green Awards were given to District Collectors of Krishnagiri, Theni, Tiruchirappalli, and Tiruvallur for their district-level environmental work.
- Best District Forest Protector Awards recognised five District Forest Officers for their work in human-wildlife conflict management, Green Tamil Nadu Mission, and sustainable forest management.
- Best Forest Range Officer Awards were presented to five Forest Range Officers.
- Chief Minister’s Water Body Protectors Awards, along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, were given to 38 individuals for their exceptional work in water body conservation across all districts.
- Voluntary Green Rating Awards were presented to five industrial facilities.
The event highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change through initiatives like the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetland Mission, Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, and Tamil Nadu Weaving Revival Mission. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate single-use plastics and promote traditional, eco-friendly cloth bags through the “Meendum Manjappai” (Yellow Bag Again) scheme.
The event was attended by Ministers: Thangam Thennarasu (Finance, Environment, Climate Change), T.M. Anbarasan (MSME), R.S. Rajakannappan (Forests and Khadi), MLAs, senior government officials, and foreign dignitaries.
