Prosopis juliflora, known in Tamil as seemai karuvelam, has been targeted by the Madras High Court through a fresh set of 34 directions aimed at removing the invasive species from Tamil Nadu and restoring native vegetation. The court has ordered private landowners to uproot the plant within 30 days, failing which district administrations will remove it and recover the cost. The order follows years of litigation and limited progress in eliminating the species across the State.
Why the species is considered harmful
Prosopis juliflora is an exotic plant introduced from South America. It was once valued for firewood, industrial fuel, brick kilns and charcoal production. However, the court noted that it has become ecologically damaging. It has degraded fertile land, grasslands and forest soil, turning productive areas barren.
- It displaces native flora and creates a near-monopoly in affected areas.
- It reduces groundwater levels and moisture retention.
- It harms the ecological balance of forests and open lands.
Long legal battle over eradication
The High Court began serious intervention in 2014 with directions to remove the species from rivers and water bodies. In 2015, it asked the State to frame an eradication scheme. Later, public interest litigations and contempt proceedings led to repeated monitoring, expert reports and district-level inspections. In 2022, the State issued the Tamil Nadu Policy on Invasive Plants and Ecological Restoration, but implementation remained uneven.
Why earlier efforts fell short
The court found that progress was slow because the affected lands belonged to multiple agencies and private owners. These included local bodies, the Forest Department, Public Works Department, HR&CE Department, Railways and private individuals. Lack of coordination among departments also delayed action. The court said that after more than 11 years, only stronger monitoring and clearer accountability could produce results.
Key features of the new directions
The court has named the project ‘Sezhumai Karuvoolam’ and said it can be carried out without major financial burden. It allowed auctioning of uprooting work to private entities, with proceeds used for native plantation. Collectors will act as nodal officers, while a dashboard and dedicated complaint channels will track progress. Native saplings must be planted within 30 days of removal, and exceptional areas such as Vedanthangal will see phased removal with alternative nesting arrangements.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026