It was sometime in June 2005 that the first stirrings of a new movement for trees began in Chennai. A few of us who felt a need for an organization to speak for trees, joined together to form NIZHAL (shade), a trust to promote concern for trees in the city, which was registered in September 2005.
The idea was to bring about awareness on the role of trees in our lives and on the need to plant, propagate and care for trees for the benefit of all.
About Us
Nizhal initiated one major project, the greening of Kattuppalli, and many smaller ones like trees surveys and tree walks in its first year. Nizhal also paved the way for advocacy by meeting with the Commissioner of Chennai Corporation and the Chiefs of the Highways and Forestry Departments.
If the first year was busy, the following years have been more so. Nizhal has pioneered in indigenous tree diversity. Conservation and restoration and protecting water bodies through green corridors (Bio shield). Free the Tree’ campaigns to prevent tree abuse.
Nizhal has also conducted awareness sessions for schools, colleges and varied citizen groups. All this has been possible through the efforts of a growing volunteer base comprising of volunteers of all ages from all walks of life.
VISION
Conserve and enhance Indigenous tree biodiversity for wellness of habitats and all living communities.
MISSION
Making a Greening movement with the help of public private partnerships and local communities.
Awards /Recognition
In 2013 Nizhal received the Best NGO Award in the environmental category from Government of Tamil Nadu, on World Forestry Day.
Best NGO Award 2013
Nizhal was selected as one of the national winners of the Mahindra Spark the Rise Award for 2012
National winners 2012
ADVISORS
Mr. S. Theodore Baskaran A writer and naturalist, former Chief Postmaster General, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Dr. SekharRaghavan Director, Rain Centre, Chennai.
Dr. P. Dayanandan Former HOD, Botany Dept., Madras Christian College, Chennai.
Dr. D. Narasimhan HOD, Botany Dept. Madras Christian College, Chennai..
Mr. N. Dayanandam Retd Joint Director, Dept of Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Mr. Raghavendra Rao Organic Farmer and Horticulturist.
Mr. G. Ramakrishnan Retd. Deputy Director, Dept of Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu.