green cover

Our green journey is named "Thai Madi". Thai Madi in Tamil means "Mothers Lap"

Seethanam's Thai Madi intends to achieve the objective of doubling green cover in Ambalapattu village by producing and planting one lakh (100,000) tree saplings in the village by 2025 with particular focus on residential plots, farm lands, water bodies, water pathways, schools, and other public places.

The Problem

The population in India has grown about four times since independence in 1947. As population grew, more and more green belts have been converted into residential plots and commercial areas. In addition, over the last several decades, a large section of farmers in the lower Cauvery Delta region have moved to monoculture farming (particularly paddy or coconut farming) and as a result, several native tree species are either significantly reduced in presence or have completely disappeared from the village landscape. These changes have caused severe stress on groundwater levels and have depleted organic content in the soil.

In November 2018, a devastating cyclone named Gaja hit costal Cauvery delta regions in the state of Tamil Nadu. Ambalapattu was one of the villages that was hit the hardest. Several farms lost about 90% of the trees overnight. Even several decade old banyan trees got up-rooted.

The Solution

Agricultural scientist and environmental activist Dr. G. Nammalvar said "Don't look for water in the land. Bring it from the sky". It was a simple yet profound statement that emphasized the connectivity between green cover and rain fall. Seethanam Foundation believes by doubling the green cover in Ambalapattu village, we will be able to increase rainfall and improve the groundwater level.

Our Story So Far

In 2019, as a part of Kuruchi Lake rejuvenation project, the volunteer team (organized under the name Iyarkaiyodu Inaivom) along with Ambalapattu villagers and nature lovers planted over 600 trees using Miyawaki methodology in three islands in the lake and over 1100 trees around the lake. In 2020, Seethanam Foundation opened "Thai Madi Nursery", which intends to grow, plant, and nurture one lakh (100,000) native trees in Ambalapattu village by 2025.

More information can be found under "Thai Madi Nursery" in the projects section.

What are we planning to do in the future? We intend to

• Work in tandem with the 2,000 families in the village to grow several fruit bearing and timber yielding trees in their residential plots and farms. This will increase green cover, organic content in the soil, ground water level, and provide nutritional food for families all around the year.
• Work with the village administration to grow trees in and around water bodies, their pathways, and other public places to increase green cover and create a conducive micro climate to reduce water evaporation and create a bio diversified ecosystem.
• Work closely with teachers and students in all eight government schools in Ambalapattu village to create a deep bond between the students and the nature by involving them regularly in seed germination, tree sapling plantation, and in nurturing trees.
• Work with village stakeholders to ensure planted tree saplings are nurtured for a minimum period of one year.