On March 18, a division bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ordered that Prosopis juliflora trees, locally known as Seemai Karuvelam, be uprooted and replaced with native species, allowing volunteers and corporate entities to participate, and directing completion before the next monsoon, with local bodies responsible within their jurisdictions. (tamilurl.com)

The court order followed a public interest petition filed by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who alleged that the invasive trees absorb groundwater and reduce oxygen and humidity, thereby increasing heat and harming agriculture and the environment. (tamilurl.com)

The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that 517 villages across 32 districts have been declared Seemai Karuvelam free, and the court directed the state to make at least one district completely free of the species. (usthadian.com)

In Pudukottai district, a major drive to remove Seemai Karuvelam is underway, involving various government departments, with the purpose of protecting the water table and environment. Over 700 acres of the invasive species have been uprooted so far. (hindu)

Prosopis juliflora, introduced to India during the colonial period for afforestation, has spread rapidly across Tamil Nadu. Farmers have raised concerns that the species damages local ecology and reduces soil fertility. (usthadian.com)

The Madurai Bench also said college and school NSS students can volunteer to help remove the trees. (tamilurl.com)