Politics · India Bureau
Retired Madras High Court Judge Declines ₹3 Lakh Monthly Fee for Invasive Species Project
A former judge has turned down a substantial honorarium from the Tamil Nadu government to oversee a court-mandated initiative to eliminate the invasive seemai karuvelam plant species across the state.
LSN India ·
A retired judge of the Madras High Court has declined a monthly honorarium of ₹3 lakh offered by the Tamil Nadu government for supervising a state-wide eradication programme targeting seemai karuvelam, an exotic invasive species that has plagued the region's ecosystems.
The former jurist accepted the responsibility of overseeing the court-initiated operation without accepting any remuneration or personal benefits, demonstrating a commitment to the environmental initiative beyond financial considerations.
The seemai karuvelam, commonly known as prosopis juliflora, has become a significant ecological challenge across Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. The species spreads rapidly, outcompetes native vegetation, and degrades grazing lands and agricultural areas. The high court had mandated a coordinated effort to control and eliminate the invasive plant across the state.
The judge's decision to volunteer for the supervisory role underscores the judicial system's commitment to environmental conservation and effective implementation of court orders. The decision also reflects growing recognition among public figures about the urgency of addressing biological invasions threatening India's natural landscapes.