The visit was part of the first phase of the state‑led ‘Operation Prosopis’, which aims to clear the plant from government‑owned lands, water bodies and public infrastructure and replace it with native saplings.
Selvam inspected irrigation tanks at Karunkulam, Meenakshipatti, Srimoolaikkarai, Alwarthirunagari, Konthankurichi, Umarikottai and Korampallam, as well as the Tamirahbarani River at Srivaikundam.
M. Prabhu, Personal Assistant to the Collector (General) and in‑charge of the operation in Thoothukudi, briefed the former judge on the progress achieved so far and outlined a roadmap to achieve complete removal of the shrub across the district.
Expressing satisfaction with the work completed, Justice Selvam urged the state government to allocate sufficient funds to accelerate the programme and called for the active participation of all stakeholders, including local residents.
The court’s directive reflects growing concern over the spread of ‘seemai karuvelam’ on public lands, prompting authorities to replace it with indigenous species in an effort to restore ecological balance.