The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): In a major push towards forest conservation and climate action, the Government of Tamil Nadu has notified 100 new Reserved Forests across the state between 2021 and 2025, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance ecological security and build long-term climate resilience through legally protected landscapes.
India’s National Forest Policy (1988) aims to bring 33 per cent of the country’s geographical area under forest and tree cover to ensure environmental stability. Tamil Nadu has made steady progress towards this goal and currently has 24.47 per cent forest and tree cover, providing a strong foundation for further expansion of green cover.
The notification of 100 forest blocks as Reserved Forests is being described as an unprecedented and forward-looking conservation initiative. These notifications were issued under Section 16 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882, following a rigorous and legally mandated settlement process. Each forest block underwent detailed field verification and settlement of rights by Forest Settlement Officers to ensure full compliance with statutory procedures before granting permanent legal protection.
As a result, the total area under Reserved Forests in the state has increased by approximately 135 square kilometres over the last four years. The newly notified forests span 10 districts—Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Sivagangai, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Salem and Tenkasi—covering a total area of 13,494.95 hectares. The Highways Forest block in Theni district, spread over 2,836.33 hectares, is the largest among the newly notified areas.
To mark the achievement, RS Rajakannapan, Minister for Forests and Khadi, released a commemorative publication documenting the notification of the 100 new Reserved Forests. The book release ceremony was attended by Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department; Srinivas R Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force; Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; and Anurag Mishra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Special Secretary, Environment and Climate Change.
Officials said the expansion of Reserved Forests will significantly strengthen biodiversity conservation and climate action. Legally protected forests safeguard wildlife habitats, maintain ecological corridors, protect watersheds and enhance carbon sequestration, while improving ecosystem resilience to climate change. Such permanent protection serves as a nature-based solution contributing to biodiversity conservation, water security and climate stability.
Through science-driven, legally robust and decisive measures, Tamil Nadu continues to demonstrate leadership in forest conservation, recognising forests as vital ecological infrastructure essential for sustainable development, climate resilience and the long-term well-being of its people.
