In different parts of the city Nizhal conducts “Free the Tree” Campaigns (FTCs) in order to remove the nails and advertisement boards on trees. Nailing or wiring advertisements on trees has always been an offence, but it was not enforced properly. The metal boards, cloth banners and thick cardboard sheets mindlessly nailed onto the barks expose the trees to infection, growth suppression and slow death.

Volunteers get together, usually on a weekend and walk the stretch of a road armed with implements to reach and remove the nails and advertisement boards on trees. The Corporation of Chennai has issued a notice (Tamil version, English version) to all zonal officers to assist Nizhal with this activity. Nizhal volunteers usually also engage the help of the local residents and auto drivers in this campaign.

To participate in or organize an FTC, write to nizhal.shade@gmail.com