In a significant move for urban conservation, Chennai is set to grant a special heritage status to some of its oldest and most majestic trees. This initiative, driven by a scientific assessment using advanced technology, aims to protect these living monuments for future generations.
Scientific Assessment for Living Legends
The groundbreaking evaluation is being conducted by researchers from two premier institutes: the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bengaluru and the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) in Coimbatore. Their tool of choice is Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT), a non-invasive diagnostic method. State forest secretary Supriya Sahu confirmed that this effort is a core part of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTM), which has already pinpointed approximately 100 ancient trees statewide for protection.
"These living legends boast profound ecological roles as carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and cultural icons, offering shade and stories from Chennai's colonial and pre-colonial eras," Sahu stated, highlighting their multifaceted value.
How ERT Technology is a Game Changer
ERT works by probing electrical resistivity at multiple points around a tree trunk, creating detailed cross-sectional maps without causing any damage. It reveals critical internal structures like:
- Extent of solid heartwood
- Patterns of growth rings
- Pockets of decay or hollows
- Moisture levels and wood density
Buvaneswaran, a senior scientist at IFGTB, hailed the method as a revolution in arboriculture. "It's a game changer for tree conservation. It's cost-effective, eco-friendly, and ideal for long-term monitoring," he explained. This technology allows experts to diagnose a tree's health accurately without taking a single core sample, unless for confirmation.
First Assessments and Future Plans
Among the first trees studied is a Putranjiva roxburghii (locally known as Irukolli or lucky bean tree) located within the Theosophical Society campus. The ERT scans showed that about 50% of its heartwood remains intact, while the rest indicated higher moisture content—a finding later verified by physical core samples.
GTM project director I Anwardeen noted that about 50 trees are currently shortlisted for the heritage tagging process in Chennai. Similar assessments are planned for five more century-old trees on the Theosophical Society grounds alone.
Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan emphasized the broader significance of these arboreal giants. He stated that these heritage candidates symbolize the city's enduring resilience and act as vital habitats for numerous birds and insects. "As climate threats intensify, ERT helps ensure these trees endure," Saravanan concluded, framing the project as a crucial climate adaptation measure.
