Civic Body Unveils Green Initiative to Cool City and Expand Urban Green Cover

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced a new environmental initiative aimed at making Chennai cooler by expanding urban greenery and strengthening the city’s green infrastructure. The programme is designed to address rising urban temperatures while improving the overall ecological balance in the city. As part of the initiative, the civic body plans to significantly increase tree plantation across various public spaces, including roadsides, parks, and open areas. GCC will also develop and maintain nurseries to ensure a steady supply of saplings for large-scale plantation drives carried out across different zones of the city. Officials highlighted that increasing vegetation cover is an important strategy to tackle the urban heat island effect, where dense urban areas experience higher temperatures due to concrete structures and limited green spaces. By expanding tree cover and promoting greener landscapes, the initiative aims to provide shade, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable urban environment. The scheme forms part of the corporation’s broader efforts to improve environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Authorities believe that consistent plantation efforts and improved maintenance of green spaces will contribute to lowering temperatures and enhancing the quality of life for residents.