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INVASIVE SPECIES

Removal of Invasive Species

Invasive species pose one of the most significant threats to biodiversity conservation, disrupting ecosystems worldwide. These non-native species often outcompete and displace native vegetation, leading to the degradation of natural forests and ecological imbalances

TN PIPER Policy

Recognizing this challenge, the Tamil Nadu government has taken a pioneering step by formulating the "Tamil Nadu Policy on Invasive Plants and Ecological Restoration (TN PIPER)"—one of India's first comprehensive policies addressing invasive species. Announced by the Hon'ble Minister for Forests in the Legislative Assembly on 03.09.2021, this policy focuses on:

  • Identification of invasive alien plant species
  • Prevention of their spread
  • Control and eradication in both terrestrial and wetland ecosystems across the state
 

Implementation Progress

Lantana camara Removal

Ongoing in all forest divisions since September 2024, covering 50 hectares per month.
From January 2025, removal efforts have intensified to 75 hectares per month in protected areas with severe infestations.
 

Prosopis juliflora Removal

In protected forest areas, all divisions are clearing 50 hectares per month.
Outside forest areas, removal operations are being conducted by the Revenue, Rural Development, and Water Resources Departments.

Progress on Removal of Invasive Species in various schemes - upto November 2025

Name of invasive species

Total infested area (in Ha.)

Area removed upto November 2025

(in Ha.)

Remaining area to be removed

(in Ha.)

Lantana camara

144034

27747

116287

Prosopis juliflora

23454

4775

18679

Senna spectabilis

2446

1965

481

Wattle

7429

1329

6100

Total

177363

35816

141547

 

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