Mangroves in Pichavaram doubled in 19 yrs: Experts

Coimbatore: On the World Mangrove Day on Friday scientists said the area under mangrove cultivation in Pichavaram has almost doubled in the past 19 years due to the efforts by various agencies such as the forest department and MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). They, however, said some species of mangroves were becoming critically endangered or even extinct.
Dr Kasinadha Pandian, an expert in geographic information system from Karpagam University, said the area under mangrove cultivation in Pichavaram had increased to 7.06sqkm in 2019 from 4.56sqkm in 2001. “This is because MSSRF took up a small area as a pilot project and began planting mangroves in the area. Once it became successful, the forest department also set up a nursery and began planting mangroves. The community’s participation, however, can be improved. We should create incentives for them to plant such trees.”
He was speaking at the seminar on conserving mangroves that was organized by the city-based Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB).
Scientists said certain species mangroves such as Kandelia Candel and Xylocarpus were seen only extremely rarely in Pichavaram. “These are the species which conservationists have to focus on increasing when planting new trees,” said Dr K Sivakumar, assistant professor, Centre of Advanced Studies, Marine Biology, Annamalai University.