About Mangroves

Mangroves or plants with breathing roots occur along coastlines providing critical habitat for diverse marine and terrestrial flora and fauna. Yet, these unique coastal, tropical forests are among the most threatened habitats in the world. Traditionally, local communities in mangrove ecosystems collect fuel wood, harvest fish and other natural resources.

Presence of mangrove ecosystems on coastline prevents from natural hazards such as cyclones, storm surges and erosion. They are the breeding, feeding and nursery grounds for many estuarine and marine organisms

Mangroves of Orissa

In Orissa, among three mangrove zones i.e mangroves of the Mahanadi Delta, Balasore coast and the Bhitarkanika mangrove zone, the last one are the most important due to its largest stretch and unique biodiversity. It is also considered as the third largest mangrove zone of the country.

Importance of Mangroves

• Mangroves provide important nutrient inputs and act as primary sources of energy for tropical estuaries.
• Biomass productivity of mangroves is relatively high and they act as reservoir in assimilation of wastes.
• Mangroves stabilize the shoreline and act as bulwark against the devastating impact of hurricanes and cyclones as well as encroachment by the sea and check soil erosion.
• Offers durable timbers and acts as fuel wood of high calorific value.
• Good source of animal fodder
• Offers edible fruits and vegetables and can be used to for making traditional medicines

Threats to mangroves

In recent decades, many coastal areas have come under intense pressure from rapid urban and industrial development. Mangroves habitats have often been converted to other forms of land use over time as land-use patterns change. India has a total area of 4461 sq. km under mangroves, which is 0.14% of the country’s total geographic area. It accounts for about 5% of the world’s mangrove vegetation. Nearly 57% of the mangroves are found along the east coast.

According to the Government of India report (1987), India lost 40% of its mangrove area during the last century. Mangroves have not received proper attention and they have been subjected to over-exploitation and encroachment, and hence there is a need for conservation and management of mangrove forests.

The major causes of threats to these important ecosystems are:

•  Cutting down mangroves for commercial use in leather and bakery industries
• Reclamation for agriculture and aquaculture
• Exploitation for fuel wood, timber harvest, grazing by domestic animals, non wood forest products
• Mining Siltation and Sedimentation
• Excavation and renovation of mangrove forest area
• Use of mangrove forest for discharge of sewage effluent, garbage, which pollutes the environment

Saving Mangroves

DPCL in association with IUCN and the Ministry of Environment & Forests is making conscious and sincere efforts towards the protection of these mangroves. As a true social citizen, it is completely aware of its responsibilities towards the people of Orissa as well as the ecosystem. DPCL has conducted several scientific researches & studies, and drafted feasibility studies based on the guidelines suggested by the expert team.

A small patch of mangroves present in the port site has been identified for protection by the Dhamra port. As per the directions laid down in the National Environment Appellate Authority judgement in the year 2000, the port authorities have fenced this small patch and this area has been excluded from the port expansion plans. The fenced area is 825 m in length and 150 m in breadth and consists of Avicennia alba species of mangroves with about 140 trees. The port authorities plan to plant more mangroves in this area.

Reclamation

Reclamation is being done constructing bunds in the Bulk Material Handling Areas to avoid any direct contact with the areas that are considered sensitive towards the mangrove security.