Madras HC orders 24-hour approval for Seemai Karuvelam tree removal

The Madras High Court has directed the Revenue Department to grant permission within 24 hours to NGOs seeking to remove invasive Seemai Karuvelam trees. The court appointed the Revenue Secretary as the nodal officer to oversee the process and ordered a status report by July 31.

During the hearing of a plea by MDMK leader Vaiko, the court emphasized the need for adequate funding and public participation in the eradication drive. Vaiko alleged that local officials often hinder removal efforts, prompting the court to mandate stricter coordination to address environmental concerns and groundwater depletion.

Source: Tamil Indian Express - Tamil Nadu