Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.
Barrier to cyclone storms: Odisha plans to plant mangroves along its coast:
Context:
The Odisha government has proposed to raise mangrove and casuarinas plantation in the coastal belt.
- Previously, the mangroves served as a natural barrier to cyclonic winds in Bhitarkanika National Park during Cyclone Yaas.
Background:
Odisha is vulnerable to various natural disasters like cyclone, flood, hailstorm, drought due to its unique geo-climatic condition.
What are Mangroves?
Mangroves occur worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, mainly between latitudes 30° N and 30° S, with the greatest mangrove area with 5° of the equator.
- A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water.
- Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees, also called halophytes, and are adapted to live in harsh coastal conditions.
- They contain a complex salt filtration system and complex root system to cope with salt water immersion and wave action.
- They have blind roots which are called These roots help these trees to respire in anaerobic soils.
- The seeds of Mangrove Forests trees germinate in the trees itself before falling – This is called Viviparity mode of reproduction.
Importance of Mangroves:
- Mangrove roots help to impede water flow and thereby enhance the deposition of sediment in areas (where it is already occurring), stabilise the coastal shores, provide a breeding ground for fishes.
- Mangroves moderate monsoonal tidal floods and reduce inundation of coastal lowlands.
- They prevent coastal soil erosion.
- They protect coastal lands from tsunami, hurricanes and floods.
- Mangroves enhance the natural recycling of nutrients.
- Mangrove supports numerous florae, avifauna and wildlife.
- Provide a safe and favourable environment for breeding, spawning, rearing of several fishes.
- They supply woods, firewood, medicinal plants and edible plants to local people.
- They provide numerous employment opportunities to local communities and augments their livelihood.
Additional information:
On World Environment Day, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that 50 million mangroves would be planted in the Sundarbans in the near future.
- The mega mangrove plantation drive was taken up mainly to compensate for the plants’ loss during Cyclone Amphan.
Insta Curious:
Have you heard about Black , Red and White Mangroves? Read Here
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About Mangroves.
- Conditions for their growth.
- Features.
- Mangroves in India and the world.
- Benefits of Mangroves.
Mains Link:
Discuss the significance of Mangroves.
Sources: Down to Earth.