A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department announced a remarkable achievement: the state’s mangrove cover has doubled from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024. This milestone, driven by the Tamil Nadu Mangrove Mission under the broader Green Tamil Nadu Mission, highlights the state’s commitment to environmental conservation and coastal protection across its nine coastal districts.
A standout success is the transformation of Chennai’s Adyar Estuary, where a vibrant mangrove green belt has been established near the Broken Bridge. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, revealed that 5,000 mangrove saplings were planted across five hectares, creating a “shining green jewel” in Chennai’s biodiversity landscape. The Chennai Forest Division designed an innovative fishbone-shaped network of three main canals and 62 distribution canals on the Battle of Adyar Island, protected by 582 meters of fishnets and repurposed sarees to prevent grazing.
These mangroves serve as natural bio-shields, safeguarding coastal communities from cyclones, tsunamis, and sea-level rise while enhancing local livelihoods through fish breeding grounds and increased biodiversity. The initiative aligns with Tamil Nadu’s goal to fortify its coastline against climate-driven challenges, ensuring both ecological and economic benefits for residents.
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The announcement coincides with the Tamil Nadu Mangrove Conclave 2025, inaugurated on September 23 in Mahabalipuram by Forests Minister R S Rajakannappan. The event, attended by delegates from six states, features key figures such as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Srinivas R Reddy, Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, and Sahu. A highlight was the release of a video showcasing the stunning Pichavaram Mangrove Forests in Cuddalore, underscoring Tamil Nadu’s leadership in mangrove restoration.
This dramatic expansion of mangrove cover positions Tamil Nadu as a model for sustainable coastal management, demonstrating how strategic environmental initiatives can combat climate change while fostering biodiversity and community resilience.
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