The Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 at Guindy Children's National Park, Chennai, bringing together policymakers, forest officials, conservation experts, and environmental stakeholders to reaffirm the State's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The event commenced with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu and Welcome Address by Tmt. Asha Ajith, I.A.S., Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change. Senior officials, including Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, I.F.S., Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, and Thiru. Rakesh Kumar Dogra, I.F.S., Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, addressed the gathering on Tamil Nadu's ongoing conservation initiatives.

A key highlight of the programme was the presentation and release of several important environmental and wildlife assessment reports, including the State Level Synchronized Population Estimation of Nilgiri Tahr 2026, State Level Synchronized Wetland Birds Survey 2026, State Level Synchronized Terrestrial Birds Survey 2026, and the Tamil Nadu State-wide Raptor Assessment Report. These reports provide valuable scientific insights for biodiversity conservation and wildlife management across the State.

The event also featured the presentation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Coating Application, an initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and reducing urban heat stress. Additionally, the "Coral Reef Restoration in Tamil Nadu – Guidelines for Practitioners" was released, highlighting the State's efforts to conserve and restore critical marine ecosystems.

Another significant milestone was the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Environment, Climate Change, and Forests Department and the National Centre for Coastal Research, strengthening collaboration in coastal and marine environmental research.

The programme was graced by Dr. V. Rajeev, Hon'ble Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Thiru. R. V. Ranjith Kumar, Hon'ble Minister for Forests, released the reports and addressed the gathering. A tree plantation activity involving the Hon'ble Ministers and dignitaries further underscored the importance of collective action for environmental conservation.

The celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Thiru. T. Ritto Cyriac, I.F.S., Chief Conservator of Forests & Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, reaffirms Tamil Nadu's commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable environmental management.