In a landmark move for environmental conservation, the Tamil Nadu government has significantly expanded the state's protected forest landscapes. Between 2021 and 2025, the state has officially notified 100 new reserved forests, marking a substantial step towards ecological security and climate action.
Unprecedented Expansion of Green Cover
This ambitious initiative has added approximately 135 square kilometers (13,494.95 hectares) to the state's network of protected forests. The total area under reserved forests in Tamil Nadu has now grown from 26,450 square kilometers to 26,585 square kilometers. State Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu hailed the move as "unprecedented and forward-looking," emphasizing its role in strengthening forest protection and building climate resilience.
The expansion aligns with India's National Forest Policy of 1988, which sets a target of achieving 33% forest and tree cover across the country for environmental stability. Tamil Nadu, with its current forest cover standing at 24.47%, is steadily advancing toward this national goal through deliberate, science-driven expansion.
Legal Rigor and Widespread Impact
The notifications were issued under Section 16 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882. The process was meticulous, involving rigorous field verification and the settlement of rights by forest settlement officers to ensure full legal compliance and address local concerns.
The new reserved forests are spread across 10 districts of the state:
- Dindigul
- Dharmapuri
- Madurai
- Kallakurichi
- Theni
- Sivagangai
- Namakkal
- Nilgiris
- Salem
- Tenkasi
The single largest addition is the Highways Forest block in Theni district, which alone covers a vast area of 2,836.33 hectares.
A Foundation for a Sustainable Future
This large-scale expansion of reserved forests is a critical component of biodiversity conservation and climate action. Legally protected forests serve multiple vital functions:
- Safeguarding wildlife habitats and securing ecological corridors.
- Protecting watersheds to ensure water security.
- Enhancing carbon sequestration to combat climate change.
- Boosting overall ecosystem resilience.
Supriya Sahu emphasized that permanent forest protection acts as a powerful nature-based solution. It simultaneously contributes to biodiversity conservation, water security, and long-term climate stability. Through this decisive, science-led, and legally robust action, Tamil Nadu is demonstrating leadership in treating forests as critical ecological infrastructure. This approach is deemed essential for the state's sustainable development, climate resilience, and the long-term well-being of its people.
