Green Initiatives in Madurai
Madurai is actively embracing green initiatives to foster environmental sustainability and enhance urban resilience.
1. Solid Waste Management
• 100% door-to-door waste collection in all wards in Madurai
• Micro-composting centers and home composting initiatives to reduce waste at the source.
• Home composting initiatives: These encourage residents to compost their organic waste at home.
2. Future proofing action plan
• Urban Infrastructure: Upgrading roads, drainage, and waste management systems to withstand climate impacts.
• Green Initiatives: Expanding green cover, promoting solar energy, and conserving water resources.
• Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening early warning systems and emergency response frameworks.
3. Miyawaki Forest
• Madurai has embraced the Miyawaki method of afforestation to enhance urban greenery and biodiversity. This technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting native species densely to create fast-growing, self-sustaining forests.
• Key projects include forests at Sundaram Park, Vandiyur Park, Silaiman Railway Station, and Madura College, where thousands of native saplings have been planted densely.
• These forests grow quickly, support local ecosystems, reduce pollution, and engage the community in sustainable environmental efforts.
4. Carbon footprint reduction
• Carbon footprint reduction refers to the process of minimizing the amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, released by human activities.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Adoption: Institutions like Aravind Eye Care have achieved a 25% reduction in energy consumption by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, including rooftop solar installations and procurement of green energy.
• Sustainable Industrial Practices: Companies such as Coats have established Sustainability Hubs in Madurai, focusing on energy reduction, transitioning to renewable energy, and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
5. Water resource management
• Vaigai Dam: The primary source of water for Madurai is Vaigai Dam, with an annual allocation of 1500 mcft.
• Water Treatment: Water from Vaigai Dam is treated at the Pannaipatty water treatment plant and distributed through a network of pipes.
• River Bed Wetting: A portion of the allocated water is used to wet the river bed, which helps in groundwater recharge and supports the city’s ecosystem.
6. Green Walk
• It’s an informal group that has been organizing walks to explore neglected monuments and raise awareness about environmental issues and heritage sites
• Green Walk aims to combine learning with heritage and encourage students to explore local heritage sites like Keelakuilkudi while promoting eco-awareness.
• The “Green Walk” initiative in Madurai was started by A. Muthukrishnan, a green crusader and political activist.
