A sacred grove locally called ‘Koyil Kadu’ is an indigenous cultural practice adapted in the villages of Tamil Nadu. These sacred groves which have strict socio-cultural regulations serve as a gene pool and bio-reserve of the native species. The concept of the local deity, its sacredness, and mythologies/legends imbibed in the folklore stories protected the grove from deforestation.

This local eco-cultural element was contextualized to the urban context by DHAN Foundation to enhance the ‘green cover’ of Madurai city, which was once called ‘Kadambavanam’ (Grove of Kadambam trees).

For the very same purpose, the land was provided by Madurai Corporation at Thirupunkundram. However, being a landfill site, it needed a land reclamation process. The process includes uprooting invasive species such as Prosopis Juliflora, land leveling, soil log preparation, transporting dumping waste to solid waste plant, diversion of sewage away from the site, setting up watering arrangements, pitting, and screening.

Steps of Transformation of Grove

The grove at Thiruparankundram was named ‘Kundrankadu’ as it is located at the foothills of Thiruparankundram.

The tree plantation drive at ‘Kundrankadu’ was initiated on International Forest Day (21.03.2021) by Mr.Subbaraman Balasubramanyan, Vice President of HCL Technologies, and Mr.Thirumurugan, Head and Operations director, HCL Technologies. The HCL volunteers played a major role in this plantation.

Mr.Subbaraman, Vice President of HCL technologies Madurai delivering a special address on the Tree plantation initiative

Soon after the plantation there was a state-wide lockdown announce by the Tamil Nadu government. But with the help of the local communities residing nearby continuous daily watering was carried out. Being a dumpsite soil topsoil, it naturally nutrient-rich. This enhanced the tree growth at an initial stage and now ‘Kundrankadu’ seems to be a tiny forest with shallow trees.