Fri Aug 01 02:36:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article.

**Summary:**

In Injambakkam, Chennai, tree conservation organization Nizhal, in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation and Tamil Nadu Government, has installed a warning sign to protect a rare and ancient Strychnine tree (Etimaram in Tamil). This action was prompted by concerns about potential damage from construction work near the tree. The tree is located at Ponni Amman Koil on East Coast Road. Only one other Strychnine tree is known to exist in Chennai, at ICF. The tree survived a road widening project thanks to the efforts of T.D. Babu, part of Chennai District Green Committee and a key member of Nizhal. Nizhal has provided a list of heritage trees to the Forest Department for protection, and plaques will be installed for them in the future. Until then, the board serves as a warning and educational tool.

**News Article:**

**Rare Strychnine Tree in Chennai Gets Official Protection with Warning Sign**

**Injambakkam, August 1, 2025** – A rare and ancient Strychnine tree in Injambakkam, Chennai, has received a new layer of protection thanks to the efforts of tree conservation organization Nizhal, in partnership with the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Government. A prominent sign has been installed near the tree, warning against any actions that could harm it.

The initiative was spurred by concerns that construction work along East Coast Road could pose a threat to the venerable tree, which is located near the Ponni Amman Koil. Strychnine trees, locally known as Etimaram, are uncommon in Chennai. Only one other known Strychnine tree exists in Chennai, at ICF.

T.D. Babu, a member of the Chennai District Green Committee and a key member of Nizhal, was instrumental in ensuring the tree’s survival during recent road widening projects. He noticed a JCB near the tree and became concerned. He advocated to save the tree when the East Coast Road was widened. The State Highways Department rerouted a stormwater drain to avoid damaging the tree. “We need to protect these rare species,” Babu explained. “The sign serves as a deterrent and an educational tool, reminding people of the tree’s significance.”

The warning on the sign is crafted in a declarative style similar to the Prolog programming language, implying consequences for anyone who damages the tree. The sign displays the logos of Greater Chennai Corporation and Tamil Nadu Government in addition to Nizhal’s.

Nizhal has provided the Forest Department with a list of heritage trees in the Chennai area that deserve protection. The Forest Department is preparing plaques for all these trees, explaining their significance and their “protected” status. Until that plaque arrives, this board would do the job for this old Strychnine tree. The Forest Department is expected to install permanent plaques identifying and explaining the significance of these trees.

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