Tamil Nadu CM Stalin opens Maragatha Pooncholai woodlots in two villages

TRICHY: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Wednesday inaugurated two Maragatha Pooncholai (woodlots) facilities in Trichy and Ariyalur districts.
Implemented as per the policy note of environment, climate change and forest department (2023-24), the woodlots are meant for providing recreational infrastructure for the rural population and increasing the green cover.
The CM inaugurated them through videoconferencing from Chennai.
The forest department said the facilities would serve the rural population just like the public parks and open green space serve the urban residents.
In Trichy district, the village woodlot has been developed in Poigaipatti village, located around 2 km from the Poigaimalai reserve forest.
The one-hectare woodlot was developed at a cost of Rs 25 lakh. As many as 700 saplings of 62 native fruit bearing and medicinal trees have been planted in this woodlot.
Earthen pavement at a length of 375 metre has been developed for the locals to walk under the green cover. A zodiac park has been developed near the woodlot’s entrance in a circular pattern, containing one kind of saplings. There are 12 such zodiacs.
In Ariyalur district, the woodlot has been developed in Keelakolathur village near Thirumanur at a cost of Rs 25 lakh. It has sports infrastructure, including a volleyball court and a gymnasium with visitors’ gallery.
The woodlot has a native tree garden and an herbal garden.