TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS

Initiatives/ Scheme

Naagam app

Context: Naagam app, a new mobile platform designed to streamline snake rescue operations and strengthen scientific data collection.

Unveiled in July 2025 by senior officials of the Forest Department, the app was meant to facilitate technology-driven wildlife rescue efforts in the State.

- The Forest Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) to manage the application and conduct structured training programmes for rescuers.
- The new app is expected to streamline rescue requests and ensure quicker response times, in addition to generating data to study rescue patterns and snake distribution.

Currently, access to the app is limited to trained rescuers, with new features being added ahead of the public launch.

Project to create Maragatha Pooncholai in 100 villages

Context: 23 new Maragatha Pooncholai were opened in 10 districts under the leadership of the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

“Maragatha Pooncholai in 100 Villages” Project

“Maragatha Pooncholai in 100 Villages” Project was announced in 2022–23.
The objective is to create one hectare of community forest in every village under the Green Tamil Nadu Movement.
Each Margatha Pooncholai will function as a village forest, ecological recreation complex and environmental learning centre.
With the 23 new complexes, a total of 98 Maragatha Pooncholai have been established in Tamil Nadu.
The project will increase rural green cover, improve groundwater levels, conserve biodiversity, create ecological commons accessible to the public and strengthen climate resilience.
The Green Tamil Nadu Movement aims to increase the forest and tree cover of Tamil Nadu to 33% of the state’s land area.

As per ISFR 2023 released by FSI, the forest and tree cover of Tamil Nadu is

History & Culture

Jain Archaeological Sites in Tamil Nadu

Context: Jain archaeological remains have been identified in 37 districts of Tamil Nadu, covering around 480 sites. Many of these sites require urgent preservation and protection.

Cave Structures and Ancient Heritage

- Over 200 hill sites in Tamil Nadu contain cave structures where Jain monks lived for more than 2,500 years.
- Brahmi inscriptions, including one from the 3rd century BCE, confirm the antiquity of Jain presence.

Jainism is believed to have existed in Tamil Nadu even before Chandragupta Maurya.

Protected Monuments Status

Out of 200 hill sites:

48 sites are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), mostly declared during the pre-Independence period.
Around 25 sites were declared protected by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department after Independence.

Government and Community Initiatives

- A memorandum has been submitted to district Collectors seeking preservation measures.
- The Tamil Nadu government supports conservation efforts with assistance from the State Archaeology Department.

A Jain Heritage Centre is being established in Madurai, with work already underway.

- Awareness campaigns have been conducted across all districts over the past 14 months.