International Workshop on 'Management of Forest Invasive Species' held at TNAU in Mettupalayam

The workshop highlighted the need to eradicate the forest invasive species and the recommendations to be taken by the Government for eradication of the invasive species.


Coimbatore: An International workshop on 'Management of Forest Invasive Species' was jointly organized by the State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu Land Use Research Board and Forest College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Mettupalayam on February 2.



The Dean, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Dr. K T Parthiban welcomed the gathering and briefed about the significance of the meeting. State Planning Commission, Deputy Conservator of Forests - Head of Division (Land Use), S Sudha, IFS, gave a brief introduction about the workshop and the need to eradicate the forest invasive species and the recommendations to be taken by the Government for eradication of the invasive species.

State Planning Commission member, Prof. R Srinivasan in his opening remarks insisted on restoration of forests with respect to climate change. "Various stakeholders, researchers and NGOs who are working on value-addition should focus on multiple strategies to eradicate forest invasive species," emphasised Prof. R Srinivasan.

MLA Dr. T R B Rajaa, in his speech emphasized the need for current updation of forest invasive species and insisted on an integrated approach to eradicate the forest invasive species. He also emphasized on the need to protect the aquatic fauna from invasive species to balance the ecosystem.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Subrat Mohapatra, IFS, in his presidential address expounded on the measures to be taken to eradicate, prevent and control the major forest invasive species namely Ipomoea carnea, Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora, that are a threat to biodiversity. He also insisted on making value-added products from the forest invasive species for effective utilization.

Prof. I Sekar, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam proposed the vote of thanks to conclude the event.

In the technical sessions, various thematical areas namely, Overview of Forest Invasive Species, Eradication and Management Strategies, International Perspectives and Best Practices in the Management of Invasive Species and Wild-life Issues were discussed.

Invitees were taken on a field visit to get first-hand information on the invasive species eradicated fields at Kodanad in Kotagiri. Over 100 participants representing State Planning Commission, State Forest Department from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Karnataka, Research Institutions (ICFRE, ICAR, SACON, Central University, WWI, Tribal Research Institute, KFRI), International Institutes - CABI, Asia Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network and other Institutions - NGOs, industries, and entrepreneurs participated in this workshop.

Karpagam University Celebrates India's 80th Independence Day with Patriotic Fervor

Karpagam University in Coimbatore celebrated India's 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Dr R. Vasanthakumar, Chai...

VIBGYOR High Coimbatore Marks India's 80th Independence Day with Vibrant Student-Led Celebrations

VIBGYOR High Coimbatore celebrated India's 80th Independence Day with flag hoisting by Principal Boby Mathew, followed b...

Drug Offender Detained Under Goondas Act in Coimbatore

A 45-year-old man has been detained under the Goondas Act in Coimbatore for allegedly possessing and selling cannabis. T...

Coimbatore Woman Murder: 17-Year-Old Boy Arrested

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested by Race Course police in connection with the murder of Shanthi (58), who was found b...

Coimbatore All Set to Celebrate 80th Independence Day at VOC Grounds Tomorrow

Coimbatore is set to celebrate the 80th Independence Day at VOC Grounds on August 15, with District Collector Pavankumar...

Coimbatore College Student Murder: Three More Students Arrested

Police have arrested three more students in connection with the murder of Amudhan, a student of Hindustan Engineering Co...