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The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
T.N. Forest Dept. restores unused stretch of intertidal barren land along Uppanar River in Cuddalore
A community-based ecological restoration initiative by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department by roping in the local community, has helped restore an unused stretch of intertidal barren land with degraded creek edges along the Uppanar river near Cuddalore. A mangrove island with native mangrove species has now taken shape on the stretch. For years, the revenue land owned by the Kudikadu panchayat near Cuddalore SIPCOT remained an unused stretch of intertidal barren land with degraded creek edges and suffered from neglect due to growth of invasive species. The land was selected for the restoration process since it comprised low-lying, saline-prone areas with natural tidal influence, making it ecologically ideal for mangrove regeneration. An assessment of the site was conducted and the Forest department initiated restoration efforts by planting appropriate species of mangroves based on the region's salinity and tidal conditions. According to B. Iqbal, Forest Range Officer (FRO), Pichavaram Range, 'The invasive species of Prosporis juliflora was removed and a modified fish-bone canal system was developed to facilitate natural tidal flow and sapling survival across a total expanse of 25 hectares.' 'In addition, linear planting of native mangrove species was carried out along the canal and creek edges, with a total of 20,000 saplings. Key mangrove species, including Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, Exocoeria agallocha, Bruguiera cylindrical, Ceriops decandra, Kandelia candel, and Soneratia apetala were planted along the stretch. The entire plantation and their maintenance is being carried out by the local communities, ensuring community livelihood generation and stewardship,' he added. The fish bone model allows the water to reach every nook and corner of the field channels. This model has found success in earlier applications at Pichavaram. Considering the ecological significance and long-term conservation potential of this site, a formal proposal has been submitted under Section 26 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882, to notify this area as Reserve Forest. This would ensure long-term legal protection to the restored mangrove ecosystem. According to government estimates, the mangrove cover in Tamil Nadu is at 44.94 square kilometres (sq. km.), out of which 7.73 sq. km. is in Cuddalore. Straddling the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries, about 21% of Pichavaram is occupied by waterbodies, 27% by healthy mangrove vegetation, 38% by mudflats with sparsely grown mangroves, and sand dunes occupied the rest of the area. According to Mr. Iqbal, to further strengthen local participation and protective mechanisms, steps have been initiated to form a Village Mangrove Committee (VMC) at Kudikadu. This committee will involve local stakeholders in protection, maintenance, and awareness activities related to the mangrove ecosystem.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Time of India
Dhanushkodi lagoon is declared a greater flamingo sanctuary to protect migratory birds and local biodiversity
A 5.3 sq km (524.8 ha) lagoon in Dhanushkodi, considered a crucial stopover along the Central Asian Flyway supporting migratory birds, was declared a greater flamingo sanctuary. Chief Minister M K Stalin made the announcement on June 5 during the World Environment Day celebrations held in Chennai. "The lagoon also supports large populations of herons, egrets, sandpipers, terns, Kentish plovers, Hanuman plovers, and both greater and lesser flamingos," says Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu. "The area, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram Island and known for its unique landscape of sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests, serves as a crucial feeding and roosting ground for these birds. It also doubles as a nursery for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans that depend on the area for their early development, thereby supporting local fisheries. " During the most recent wetland bird census, 10,761 birds were recorded in the area, representing 128 species, both migratory and resident, says Supriya. In addition, the Dhanushkodi beach is an important nesting site for turtles. On the botanical front, the area harbours 47 recorded plant species, including important mangrove types such as Avicennia and Rhizophora. These mangroves are instrumental in stabilising the coastline, preventing erosion, and buffering the impact of storm surges. They also offer shelter to marine organisms and birds. The broader diversity of plants, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports insects, birds, and small mammals. By designating the area as a bird sanctuary, the govt aims to provide formal protection to both resident and migratory bird species and their habitats. The declaration is also expected to bolster conservation efforts for the region's varied ecosystems, ensuring their long-term ecological integrity. "We hope to promote public awareness about wetland conservation and the importance of protecting migratory birds," says Supriya. "Responsible tourism practices may also emerge, potentially leading to employment opportunities for local communities while preserving one of Tamil Nadu's most delicate ecological hotspots."
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
TN doubles mangrove cover, Chennai adds just 18 hectares in three years
The state's mangrove cover nearly doubled in three years, from 4,500 hectares (ha) in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024, but there's little to cheer for Chennai, which added just 18 hectares during the period. In the last 10 years, when several other districts such as Tiruvarur and Thanjavur, planted more than 2,142 hectares of mangroves, Chennai, which once housed crucial mangrove forests in the Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum and Adyar estuaries, added only 141 hectares, which is a mere 1.5% of state's coverage. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A recent report — Blue Carbon Monitoring for Mangroves of Tamil Nadu — done by Anna University for the Tamil Nadu govt, mapped the mangrove cover areas through physical visits and also by satellite, highlighting before and after images. This will help the govt address areas with weak growth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World Watched in Awe – These Septuplets Defied Every Medical Expectation! Learn More Undo Kurian Joseph, professor, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, said coastal development, pollution due to wastewater, and change in land use are the reasons for the degradation of mangroves in the estuary regions of the city. "Mangrove forests are among the most carbon-rich habitats. They are a natural coastal defence as they mitigate flood risks by reducing wave energy, attenuating storm surges, and stabilising shorelines," he said. He added that the mangroves also trap silt, thereby enriching the soil. "Their aerial roots offer a safe haven to fish, birds, turtles, snakes, and other insects." In some locations such as the Adyar estuary, at least 57,000 saplings belonging to various species, including Rhizophora, Avicennia, Acanthus, Excoecaria, and Bruguiera, thrived and turned into lush forests. More mangroves also invite crabs, prawns, and fish, improving the local livelihoods of fishermen. Fishermen in Ennore said due to ash effluents from the thermal plants, prawn breeding had stopped. As a result, they go to Pulicat for catch. The study also identified Tiruvarur as the district with the largest mangrove area of 2,142 hectares, including 672 hectares of plantations. Thanjavur follows with 2,063 hectares, made up of 854 hectares of plantations and 1,209 hectares of natural mangroves. Together, the two districts account for nearly half of the state's total mangrove cover. In addition to their ecological value, mangroves serve as powerful carbon sinks. Cuddalore tops the list in carbon storage with 249 tonnes per hectare, followed by Tiruvarur (145 tonnes/ha) and Thanjavur (77.5 tonnes/ha). In contrast, mangrove patches in Villupuram (2.59 tonnes/ha) and Tiruvallur (13.1 tonnes/ha) store significantly less carbon. Environment, climate change and forests department secretary Supriya Sahu said that under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the govt saved 1,700 hectares of degraded mangroves, apart from new plantations. "We are creating village councils in all districts to rope in villagers to plant mangroves. They take care of it. We are collaborating with Anna University and MSSRF to boost coverage," she said.
