Mangrove forest is natural barrier that shields Odisha’s Kendrapara district from cyclone storms

By: Himanshu Guru

The mangrove forest has been working as a shield to protect the Coastal districts of Odisha in the East Coast. It is a boon by the nature. It has worked as a natural protector from cyclone. In the meanwhile the mangrove forest cover in the Bhitarkanika area has increased. As per the Indian State of Forest Report 2021 (ISF) the Kendrapara district has witnessed the maximum increase of mangrove in the State. If such process continues, the area will get protection from natural disasters.

Kendrapara is a cyclone prone district. It witnesses a number of low pressure backed cyclone across the year. The cyclones of 1971, 1982 and the super cyclone of 1999 have wreaked havoc in this district. However, though nature brings fury, it also provides solution to it. The mangrove forests created in the wetland have stood as a natural barrier to protect the area from cyclone storm. Although not fully, but it has partially protected the area, due to which many human as well as property loss was minimized.

Following the 1971 cyclone, an expert team from Vietnam had visited Rajnagar of this district on April 4, 1972 with the leadership of former CM Biju Patnaik. After studying the area the team had advised for creation of one km long mangrove in the coast. Taking it into account and keeping in view safety of the area from from natural calamities, the government had taken steps for creation of mangrove in this area.

The recent ISF report has confirmed about increase of mangrove in the Bhitarkanika National Park area.

As per Forest Survey report 2021 an increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country was witnessed in last two years. Out of this the maximum increase in forest cover witnessed in Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km) followed by Telangana (632 sq km) and Odisha (537 sq km).

Likewise when it comes to creation of mangrove forest the total mangrove cover in the country is 4,992 sq km. An increase of 17 sq Km in mangrove cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2019. Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Odisha (8 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (4 sq km) and Karnataka (3 sq km). Exactly, Odisha witnessed 8.34 sq km increase in mangrove forest.  Out of that the maximum of 7.76 sq km was witnessed in Kendrapara district. The increase in mangrove was possible due to the cooperation by the Forest Department, a few NGOs and the locals.

As per reports, mangrove forests have been created in Jaudia, Hetamundia, Batighara and Sanatubi areas in the last two years by Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division. The Forest Dept has organised ‘Mangrove Mitra’ (Friend of the mangrove) program and that has helped in the creation of mangrove forest. Under this program, 8 persons provided their lands to the Forest Department to create mangrove.

Reportedly, Bhitarkanika area has 81 % of the total mangrove forest area in the state. Nature lovers have conveyed their happiness for the increase of mangrove forest in Kendrapara district.

Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer said that Bhitarkanika witnessed the maximum increase of mangrove forests in the country.

On the other hand, thousands of prawn gheris have been erected in the nearby wetland areas of the Bhitarkanika National Park.  Even, in some areas the prawn gheris have been erected after destroying the mangrove forests. With this not only the mangrove forests were destroyed, but it is also bringing environmental pollution.

The Orissa High Court has issued directive for the eviction of the illegal prawn gheris. However, it has been alleged that the administration has taken steps in this regard only for name shake.

If the illegal prawn gheris will be evicted and mangrove will be created in this area it will provide safety from cyclone storm. Hence, the locals have urged for creation of mangrove forest in the area which will give safety to the wetland and the local administration should come up with solid steps in this regard.

With inputs from Dolagovinda Jena, Rajnagar, Kendrapara