Here are some heritage trees of Chennai threatened by urban development and need conservation
Once upon a time, before Madras became Chennai, these heritage trees indigenous to the landscape could be found in abundance in the city. Over the years, due to development projects and a lack of understanding of their ecological value, most of these were cut, and their numbers dwindled.
'Many are in unprotected public spaces and hence removed overnight. Ironically, a heritage tree, an etti maram, was removed for a parking lot in Semmozhi Poonga. A huge Brazilian ironwood tree was removed from Alwarpet for the metro rail project,' says T D Babu of Nizhal Foundation. Here are a few such trees left in urban public spaces, which need to be conserved for their ecological significance, rarity, and age.
Vanni [or] khejri (Prosopis cineraria)
The Marundeeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is worth visiting just for a glimpse of this rare vanni or khejri tree, fenced in the corner.
At least 100 years old, this drought-resistant deciduous tree has a deeply penetrating root system. 'It is the tree of palai (drought area) which is interspersed in the mullai landscape. In the Guindy forest, you can find a few wild vanni trees, indicating a palai landscape. We lost one in Kalakshtetra campus, and the one at Marundeeshwarar might be the only one left in the core city.
' The species is of historical significance since 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect a grove of vannis in 1730 following the Khejarli massacre, he adds.
It is the state tree of Rajasthan, as it has historically played a significant role in the economy of arid regions. A nitrogen-fixing species, it is host to lac insects. It is believed that the Lord appeared before Agastya Muni and explained to him the formulae of various herbs under this particular tree.
Nunnera [or] button tree (Anogeissus acuminata)
Step inside the Egmore Museum compound, and on your way to the museum theatre, you will find this tree on your left.
The nunnera often grows on rocky soils where nothing else grows well and is highly tolerant of dry climates. It's a preferred species for reforestation and a source of fuel, fodder, gum, tannin, and timber. The timber can be used for making tools and furniture. There is one more at the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation Limited on Pantheon Road.
Mavalingam [or] sacred garlic pear (Crateva adansonii)
On the left-hand side of the Gandhi Mandapam bus shelter is this Mavalingam.
A drought-hardy tree frequented by birds and butterflies, it grows even in rocky soils. 'It was abundant in Chennai's wetland areas like Pallikaranai and Guindy. Recently, a huge tree was felled to construct a memorial for Rettamalai Srinivasan, and large numbers of mature trees were felled to widen the Pallikaranai road near Tamarai Kulam.
A lone tree is left near the entrance of the Appasamy building,' says Babu.
It loves sunny weather and blooms profusely in congenial soils. Mavalingam is considered sacred in Hinduism.
Purasu [or] flame of the forest (Butea monosperma)
Right next to the Gangadeeswarar Koil at Purasawalkam is this purasu tree. Purasawalkam is said to have been full of these trees, which is why the name, but not many are left now. The bright red flowers could make entire mountain ranges appear to be on fire, hence the English name 'flame of the forest'. Purasu is a pioneer species — the first to grow in gaps in the forest — and tolerates nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils, as well as heat and drought.
The leaves grow in triads and are said to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. The tree is called Kimshuka in Sanskrit, referring to the curved parakeet-shaped flowers. 'Its leaf litter can convert saline lands fertile and hence it's of high ecological significance to a coastal city like Chennai,' says Babu.
Thumbili [or] black and white ebony (Diospyros malabarica)
Pass by the TN Highway Department depot at Nandanam, and you will find this tree with distinct pink leaves jutting out. Thumbili is a characteristic riparian species often found along hilly streams, and the bark extract can be applied to boils and tumours. The leaves are used for black dye, while the hardwood is used for furniture. 'The tree is 100 years old, and maybe just a couple of them are left in the core city,' says Babu.
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Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Here are some heritage trees of Chennai threatened by urban development and need conservation
You've probably passed by them countless times without noticing. But it's time to stop and look, as some of these indigenous heritage trees in Chennai are quietly vanishing from sight Once upon a time, before Madras became Chennai, these heritage trees indigenous to the landscape could be found in abundance in the city. Over the years, due to development projects and a lack of understanding of their ecological value, most of these were cut, and their numbers dwindled. 'Many are in unprotected public spaces and hence removed overnight. Ironically, a heritage tree, an etti maram, was removed for a parking lot in Semmozhi Poonga. A huge Brazilian ironwood tree was removed from Alwarpet for the metro rail project,' says T D Babu of Nizhal Foundation. Here are a few such trees left in urban public spaces, which need to be conserved for their ecological significance, rarity, and age. Vanni [or] khejri (Prosopis cineraria) The Marundeeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is worth visiting just for a glimpse of this rare vanni or khejri tree, fenced in the corner. At least 100 years old, this drought-resistant deciduous tree has a deeply penetrating root system. 'It is the tree of palai (drought area) which is interspersed in the mullai landscape. In the Guindy forest, you can find a few wild vanni trees, indicating a palai landscape. We lost one in Kalakshtetra campus, and the one at Marundeeshwarar might be the only one left in the core city. ' The species is of historical significance since 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect a grove of vannis in 1730 following the Khejarli massacre, he adds. It is the state tree of Rajasthan, as it has historically played a significant role in the economy of arid regions. A nitrogen-fixing species, it is host to lac insects. It is believed that the Lord appeared before Agastya Muni and explained to him the formulae of various herbs under this particular tree. Nunnera [or] button tree (Anogeissus acuminata) Step inside the Egmore Museum compound, and on your way to the museum theatre, you will find this tree on your left. The nunnera often grows on rocky soils where nothing else grows well and is highly tolerant of dry climates. It's a preferred species for reforestation and a source of fuel, fodder, gum, tannin, and timber. The timber can be used for making tools and furniture. There is one more at the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation Limited on Pantheon Road. Mavalingam [or] sacred garlic pear (Crateva adansonii) On the left-hand side of the Gandhi Mandapam bus shelter is this Mavalingam. A drought-hardy tree frequented by birds and butterflies, it grows even in rocky soils. 'It was abundant in Chennai's wetland areas like Pallikaranai and Guindy. Recently, a huge tree was felled to construct a memorial for Rettamalai Srinivasan, and large numbers of mature trees were felled to widen the Pallikaranai road near Tamarai Kulam. A lone tree is left near the entrance of the Appasamy building,' says Babu. It loves sunny weather and blooms profusely in congenial soils. Mavalingam is considered sacred in Hinduism. Purasu [or] flame of the forest (Butea monosperma) Right next to the Gangadeeswarar Koil at Purasawalkam is this purasu tree. Purasawalkam is said to have been full of these trees, which is why the name, but not many are left now. The bright red flowers could make entire mountain ranges appear to be on fire, hence the English name 'flame of the forest'. Purasu is a pioneer species — the first to grow in gaps in the forest — and tolerates nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils, as well as heat and drought. The leaves grow in triads and are said to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. The tree is called Kimshuka in Sanskrit, referring to the curved parakeet-shaped flowers. 'Its leaf litter can convert saline lands fertile and hence it's of high ecological significance to a coastal city like Chennai,' says Babu. Thumbili [or] black and white ebony (Diospyros malabarica) Pass by the TN Highway Department depot at Nandanam, and you will find this tree with distinct pink leaves jutting out. Thumbili is a characteristic riparian species often found along hilly streams, and the bark extract can be applied to boils and tumours. The leaves are used for black dye, while the hardwood is used for furniture. 'The tree is 100 years old, and maybe just a couple of them are left in the core city,' says Babu.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
Arabic, European, US, Indian Food Portion Sizes Are All Different. Why So?
When it comes to food, size does matter. Less is actually more, and more is, well, a lot more. But did you know that how much we eat is often influenced more by our culture and country than by our personal appetite? That's why portion sizes across the world differ so dramatically. What's considered normal for one region might look extreme in another. For instance, in the US, it's completely normal to get a giant tub of fried chicken just for yourself. But travel to Asia, and you'll find that in countries like Japan and India, smaller portions of a variety of dishes are the norm. Interestingly, these traditional approaches are now trickling into fast-food chains too. A YouTube video by Food Insider illustrates this contrast perfectly, showing how portion sizes vary across major global fast-food chains. In some cases, the differences are over 100 per cent. For example, a large bag of fries in the UK weighs roughly 100 gm, while in the US, the same "large" portion can weigh close to 300 gm. That's not just a difference; that's a whole extra meal. So, what do portion sizes really look like across the world? Let's take a quick trip through some countries and find out. Portion sizes in the US are famously large, whether it's restaurant meals, packaged food, or soft drinks. Fast food culture dominates the country and frequent snacking throughout the day is widely accepted. Most meals rely heavily on ultra-processed, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor foods. Convenience often wins over nutrition, and the culture of supersized meals makes overconsumption easy. Unsurprisingly, this has contributed to the US having one of the highest obesity rates in the world. France: Indulgence Meets Mindfulness The French enjoy their rich foods - think cheeses, breads, wine, and buttery pastries - but they do so in moderation. Portion sizes are generally small, and meals are slow and social affairs rather than rushed necessities. Snacking is rare and eating at fixed times is the norm. Most French people still prefer fresh, home-cooked meals, even in the busiest cities (add examples of these cities if you have the data) This balance helps explain France's surprisingly low obesity rate despite the indulgent menu. Italy: Fresh, Social And Portion-Aware Italy may be known for being home to pizza and pasta, but what's often overlooked is that the portions consumed in the country are small and meals are shared. The emphasis is on quality, not quantity. Fresh ingredients, seasonal produce, and homemade recipes still form the foundation of Italian cuisine. In Europe portion sizes are generally small. Photo: Unsplash Italians also eat slowly, savouring each bite, which naturally reduces the tendency to overeat. Brazil: Tradition In Balance Traditional Brazilian meals strike a nutritional balance: rice, beans, vegetables, and moderate servings of meat are the norm. Meals are usually enjoyed at home, served on smaller plates, and eaten together as a family. However, in urban areas of Brazil, processed and convenience foods are becoming more popular, and this shift is affecting portion sizes and public health. Mexico: The Transition From Balance To Bulk Like Brazil, Mexico's traditional meals were once family-style and well-balanced, featuring corn, beans, vegetables, and small amounts of meat. But the rapid rise in fast food and processed snacks has changed that. Portion sizes have grown significantly, particularly in urban fast-food outlets. Sugary drinks and high-fat, energy-dense foods are now a staple in many households - and obesity rates have climbed up (add data here about the obesity rate) as a result. Japan: Mindful Eating Through 'Hara Hachi Bu' Japanese meals are works of art. Small, beautiful portions featuring rice, vegetables, tofu, and fish. Processed foods are minimal, and meals are eaten slowly. The cultural principle of Hara Hachi Bu - which roughly translates to eating until you're 80 per cent full - encourages people to stop before they feel stuffed. The use of smaller plates, chopsticks and a slower eating pace also helps keep portions in check. No surprises then, that Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. (Again, data) India: A Grain And Veggie-Based Legacy Indian meals are traditionally built around grains such as rice or wheat, clubbed with lentils, seasonal vegetables, and dairy products. Meals are home-cooked and balanced with a variety of components. Think of a classic Indian thali, which includes curries, dry veggies, pickles, salads, and a digestive drink such as chaach/lassi. An Indian Thali. Photo: Unsplash The small serving sizes of each item naturally limits overall intake. However, rising urbanisation and increasing access to processed foods are beginning to shift eating patterns - and not in a good way. The UK: Enter Convenience In the UK, portion sizes have increased over time, both at home and restaurants. With a fast-paced lifestyle, convenience often trumps cooking - leading to a rise in ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and sugary beverages. Supermarket deals and portion upgrades make it easier to consume more than needed without even noticing. This has contributed to moderately high obesity levels in the country. For instance, the US obesity rate is substantial, with nearly 42.4% of adults classified as obese. Some attribute this to larger portion sizes. The Arab Nations: The Communal Experience In most Arab cultures, sharing meals is a communal experience and an expression of hospitality. Food is often served in large dishes at the center of the table, and everyone eats together, reinforcing social bonds and family connections. Rather than individual plated portions, meals-especially main ones-are presented in shared platters, allowing each person to serve themselves and adjust their portion size. It's typical for hosts to encourage guests to eat more and to offer the choicest pieces-a sign of generosity and respect Why Does It Matter? The main takeaway here? In countries where portion sizes are traditionally small and meals are eaten mindfully; rates of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases tend to be lower. Conversely, in places where bigger is better, when it comes to food, health problems are on the rise. So, what drives the difference in portion sizes across countries? It goes far beyond just appetite. Culture, tradition, social norms and even tableware influence how much people eat. From chopsticks and shared plates in Japan to the convenience-driven culture of the US, every country tells its own story, not just on the plate, but through the portion.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
8 killed in Brazil hot air balloon accident, survivors receive treatment; probe launched to ascertain cause
At least eight people lost their lives after a hot air balloon with 21 passengers caught fire in Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the governor of Santa Catarina state, Jorginho Mello, said. "Eight fatalities and 13 survivors," the governor said in a post on X. In the videos captured by bystanders and carried on Brazilian television, the balloon was seen erupting in flames above the coastal town of Praia Grande, news agency AFP reported. The weather conditions at the time when the incident took place were clear. The basket carrying the passengers plummeted dozens of meters to the ground in flames. "We still have no information" about the condition of the survivors, a spokeswoman for Santa Catarina firefighters told AFP. Praia Grande, on the Atlantic coast, is a popular destination for hot-air ballooning in Brazil. The survivors were being treated in area hospitals, firefighters said, and an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the accident. "I want to express my solidarity with the families of the victims," Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in a statement. The pilot told officials that the fire was sparked by a blowtorch in the basket, Tiago Luiz Lemos, a police official in Praia Grande, told local media. The pilot tried to bring the balloon down as soon as the fire erupted, "and once it was close to the ground, he told the passengers to jump from the basket. But some of them couldn't do it, and the fire grew," the official said. Live Events One witness told the Razao newspaper that he saw "two people falling; they were on fire, the basket broke off, and the balloon fell." It was the second fatal balloon accident in the country in just a few days. Less than a week ago, a woman died during a ride in southeastern Sao Paulo state.
