With its compact size, rising population, and fragile coastal ecosystem, Puducherry faces unique ecological challenges. But under the leadership of IFS officer Dr. P. Arulrajan, the Union Territory is scripting a green revolution—aiming to double its green cover from 12.57% to 24% by 2030.
A 2009-batch IFS officer, Dr. Arulrajan brings a rare blend of expertise—two PhDs, a law degree in cyber law and forensics, and three postgraduate diplomas—which he applies with scientific precision and community-driven innovation.
Urban Greening with the 3:33:333 Model
One of his most innovative strategies is the 3:33:333 approach:
3 trees visible from every home
33 trees per street
333 trees within a 100-metre radius
By distributing over 5 lakh tall seedlings, including bamboo and fast-growing species, the forest department is ensuring greenery becomes part of everyday life—even in crowded apartment complexes where large potted plants are now replacing concrete corners.
Coastal Protection & Wetland Revival
Along Puducherry’s vulnerable coastline, Dr. Arulrajan has adopted a multi-layered planting model:
Palm trees filter saline water
Casuarinas protect against wind erosion
Sand-binding grasses like Ravan’s Moustache stabilise shifting dunes
At Ammavanam alone, 80,000 casuarinas were planted, while 174 ponds now harvest rainwater for year-round irrigation.
Wetlands too are coming back to life—152 wetlands cleaned and restored, with 100+ trees planted per site, supporting biodiversity and preventing ecological degradation.
Community at the Core
Dr. Arulrajan believes greening succeeds only when people feel ownership. From “Thakur Thanimaram” (planting a tree in one’s mother’s name) to school-driven plantation drives, citizens have planted over 3 lakh saplings across dump yards, schools, and government lands.
“Hugging a tree creates an emotional bond. It’s not just planting—it’s nurturing,” he says.
Innovation & Future Vision
Puducherry’s green drive is packed with innovations:
Carbon-Neutral Elections – calculating poll emissions (even voters’ breathing!) and offsetting them with plantations.
Drone & solarisation plans – for plantation monitoring.
Mangrove expansion – 3.5 lakh saplings already planted, 6 lakh more in nurseries.
Backed by strong administrative support, these initiatives are reshaping Puducherry’s environmental future.
Towards a Sustainable 2030
With scientific precision, legal awareness, and community participation, Dr. Arulrajan’s vision is making Puducherry a model of sustainable growth. If the targets hold, residents will soon open their windows to find a greener, cleaner, and more climate-resilient Puducherry.
