A Canal Once Choked by Neglect and Invasive Plants
Mangroves Return to Buckingham Canal: Tamil Nadu’s Green Revival Effort: For decades, the Buckingham Canal, which runs parallel to the East Coast Road in Tamil Nadu, was a forgotten waterway. It slowly turned into a dumping ground, clogged by plastic, sewage, and one particularly aggressive plant—Prosopis Juliflora. This invasive species, introduced for fast-growing timber, quickly took over the canal banks, choking out native plants and altering the soil quality. The natural beauty of the canal vanished as wild greenery turned into a tangled mess.
A Green Makeover Near Kazhipattur
But change is in the air. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has stepped in to give the Buckingham Canal a fresh start. Near Kazhipattur, in Chennai’s suburbs, a mangrove restoration initiative is quietly transforming the canal’s edge. As part of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, officials have already planted 12,500 mangrove seedlings along this stretch. The aim is to bring back a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem where birds, fish, and crabs can flourish once again.
Why Mangroves Matter for Tamil Nadu
Mangroves are more than just pretty trees by the water. They protect the coastline from storm surges and erosion, filter polluted water, and act as nurseries for many marine creatures. In Kazhipattur, six salt-tolerant species have been chosen carefully for planting. These include Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, and Acanthus illicifolius. Each one has unique features—some grow stilt-like roots, while others survive extreme salinity. These species are native to the region and are essential for long-term environmental stability.
A Small Step With Big Impact
This isn’t just a beautification effort. It’s part of a broader plan to fight climate change, improve biodiversity, and reconnect people with their environment. Think of it as a natural fence that also breathes life into the soil and water. If this model succeeds, similar eco-restoration efforts could follow in other degraded canals and lakes across Tamil Nadu. For students preparing for exams, it’s also a reminder that sustainable development, when combined with local solutions, can bring real change.
Static GK Snapshot
Mangroves Return to Buckingham Canal: Tamil Nadu’s Green Revival Effort:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location | Buckingham Canal, East Coast Road, Kazhipattur, Chennai |
| Project Name | Green Tamil Nadu Mission |
| Department Involved | Tamil Nadu Forest Department |
| Invasive Species Removed | Prosopis Juliflora |
| Number of Mangroves Planted | 12,500 seedlings |
| Mangrove Species | Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Acanthus illicifolius |
| Environmental Benefit | Coastal protection, biodiversity restoration, pollution control |
