A wetland restoration initiative was inaugurated at Wellington in the Nilgiris recently.

Arulagam, a conservation NGO, Upstream Ecology Foundation, Madras Regimental Centre (MRC-Wellington), and volunteers from the State Street Foundation are collaborating on the project.

“The initiative aims to address critical ecological degradation by eradicating invasive plant species choking a wetland habitat and reintroducing native Nilgiris flora to the area,” said S. Bharathidasan, secretary of Arulagam.

Upstream Ecology Foundation has also identified in the area lesser-known invasive species, such as Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle, native to West Asia) and Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator Weed, native to South America), which threaten the region’s delicate hydrology. Upstream Ecology Foundation’s aim with this initiative is to highlight such overlooked plant invasions before they irreparably displace indigenous biodiversity, a press release said.

The restoration was launched by Brigadier Krishnendu Das, Commandant of the MRC; Tanushree Das, Senior Director of the Army Wives Welfare Association; and Major K. Deepak on Independence Day.

“This project aims to systematically rehabilitate natural habitats. By strengthening local ecological balance, we are ensuring a sustainable environment for native plant and animal species to thrive,” said Mr. Bharathidasan.

Vasanth Bosco, a restoration ecologist from Upstream Ecology Foundation, said: “Wetlands are delicate, dynamic ecosystems. Restoring them with site-appropriate native grasses and shrubs enhances natural carbon sequestration and long-term climate resilience.”

Published - August 18, 2026 07:56 pm IST