On this World Environment Day, as the world celebrates the importance of restoring our natural ecosystems, we turn the spotlight on Chennai, a city that pulses with life and struggles with concrete expansion. At Nizhal, a quiet but powerful movement that has been nurturing the city’s green lungs for two decades.
Started in 2005, Nizhal (which means “shade” in Tamil) has always believed that tree conservation doesn’t require grand gestures; it thrives through simple, consistent action. These actions, rooted in care, knowledge, and community, have slowly transformed barren patches into green sanctuaries and helped thousands rediscover the value of native trees.
One of Nizhal’s most visible efforts has been the transformation of neglected public lands into thriving urban forests. The Kotturpuram Urban Forest, once a dump yard, is now home to more than 1000 indigenous/naturalised trees,shrubs and herbs . This precious biodiversity space that has been a model of eco restoration with community efforts now attracts birds, butterflies, and learning communities who explore the forest through guided walks and volunteer sessions. This space has become both a green lung and a living classroom.
Another simple but impactful action? Tree walks. Nizhal also hosts guided walks in parks, campuses, and roadside avenues where people of all ages learn how to identify native species, hear their ecological and cultural stories, and understand their role in urban ecosystems. These walks don’t just share facts, they spark curiosity and respect for trees and efforts to speak up and stand up for trees!.
Nizhal also believes that conservation must begin early. The group has partnered with several Chennai schools to help students adopt trees on their campuses. Through painting sessions, storytelling, and hands-on gardening, children are encouraged to form emotional bonds with trees. These seemingly small moments watering a sapling, naming a tree create lifelong stewards of nature.
While planting is important, protecting existing trees is equally vital. Nizhal actively campaigns against the indiscriminate felling of mature avenue trees. They work with officials to find alternatives, advocate for better tree protection policies, and monitor areas where development threatens green cover. Their action often starts with just one letter, one visit or one citizen’s concern.
Through workshops and social media campaigns, Nizhal has spread a crucial message: Tree planting without follow-up care is not conservation. The organization regularly shares guides on tree aftercare watering, mulching, pruning and encourages local communities to take ownership of green spaces near their homes.
What sets Nizhal apart is its deep belief in community-powered conservation. Whether it’s a tree walk, a student sketching a neem leaf, or a volunteer gently weeding around a sapling, each action is simple but together, they form a powerful, rooted response to the climate crisis.
This World Environment Day, may we all be inspired to start small. Because as Nizhal shows us, even a little shade can make a big difference.