A compelling photo exhibition in Madurai has turned the spotlight on the city's pressing need for green cover, using the lens of a remarkable urban forest as a catalyst for change. The event, held at the Kalaignar Centenary Library, brought together citizens, students, and environmentalists to discuss forestation and biodiversity.
Showcasing an Urban Oasis: The MKU Forest
The heart of the exhibition was the visual documentation of a 60-acre man-made forest developed on the campus of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). This green haven was created with the active help of residents from Nagamalai Pudukottai. More than 250 visitors, including students and photographers, engaged with the works contributed by 32 photographers from across Tamil Nadu.
"This is the first time I'm learning that such biodiversity exists within the city," shared Sri Mangai, a visitor. The display powerfully illustrated that community effort can successfully rebuild green spaces, even in urban settings.
Documenting a Flourishing Ecosystem
The photographs went beyond landscapes to capture the tiny inhabitants of this revived ecosystem. S Ilamukhil, team lead at the DHAN Foundation, revealed a significant finding: "Since the initiative started four years ago, 145 insects have been identified in the forest." He added that the previous year's focus was on floral diversity, leading to the documentation of 135 flower varieties.
This detailed record underscores the forest's rapid transformation into a thriving hub for local biodiversity.
Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Conservation
A seminar held alongside the exhibition deepened the dialogue on conservation strategies. Retired botany professor D Stephen emphasized the critical ecological role of sacred groves, community-managed sanctuaries he described as highly effective in protecting endemic species like the kurunji.
Echoing the need for human involvement, ornithologist Badri Narayanan stated, "If not for humans, there would be no need for conservation. Hence, public participation is key." He stressed that for a lasting impact, awareness must specifically reach communities living around sacred groves.
The organisers, the DHAN Foundation and HCL Foundation, stated that the initiative aims to inspire Madurai's residents. The goal is for people to recognise biodiversity as the backbone of ecological resilience amid rapid urbanisation and to actively participate in conservation across both urban and peri-urban landscapes.
