Forest dept. takes up mangrove plantations in two coastal villages in Pudukottai district
The Forest department has carried out mangrove plantations in two coastal villages in Pudukottai district to create bio-shields in order to protect the villages from natural calamities. The task was carried out with support from the local community in 2024-25 at Muthukuda which is blessed with thick mangrove forest close to the shore.
The mangrove plantation work had been carried out in 20 hectares at Muthukuda close to the estuary of the Pambar under the Rehabilitation of Coastal Habitats through Formation of Bio-Shields with funds provided under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
Quality mangrove seeds were collected from Pichavaram, Muthupet, and S.P. Pattinam and placed in holes through dibbling process along the distribution canals and feeder canals which were dug specifically for this purpose at Muthukuda with the aim of creating a mangrove bio-shield to protect the coastal village from natural calamities such as floods and tsunami besides to revitalise the local marine ecosystem, said a Forest department official.
The task involving the local community was completed in about three or four months, the official further added that the growth of mangroves was being monitored continuously. The mangrove plantations were carried out in 20 hectares at Mumpalai coastal village in Manamelkudi block in the district during the 2023-2024 financial year. The mangrove plantations had shown good growth at Mumpalai, the official said.
The key objective of this scheme was to mitigate the impact of natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis by erecting biological barriers to protect the villages, the official said. The Forest department's Policy Note states that mangrove is the littoral forest ecosystem in the intertidal region. They are salt-tolerant plants and rich in biodiversity besides being a storehouse for blue carbon. Mangroves being a nature-based solution can capture and store carbon making this ecosystem extremely valuable in fighting climate change.
The department had carried out casuarina plantations at Muthukuda on 25 acres of land under the Rehabilitation of Coastal through Formation of Bio-Shields in 2024-25.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Street play sheds light on plastic pollution
Dibrugarh: To mark World Environment Day, a powerful street play titled 'The River's Illness' ('Nodir Akhukh' in Assamese) was performed near the Chowkidinghee playground gate in Dibrugarh on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The play, centred around on the theme "Ending Global Plastic Pollution" aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of plastic waste on rivers and ecosystem. Organised by the cultural affairs department in collaboration with the environment and forest department, the event saw enthusiastic participation from locals, students and officials. The street play was staged in the presence of Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation mayor Saikat Patra and Assistant Commissioner Juri Doley, who emphasised the urgent need for environmental conservation. The play depicted how plastic pollution is choking rivers, harming aquatic life, and ultimately affecting human health. Through emotive performances, the actors portrayed the suffering of a river poisoned by plastic waste, delivering a strong message on the need for immediate action. Mayor Saikat Patra, addressing the gathering, said, "Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a public health crisis. Our rivers are dying, and if we don't act now, future generations will pay the price. Initiatives like this street play are crucial in spreading awareness and inspiring behavioural change." Assistant Commissioner Juri Doley added, "The government is taking steps, but real change begins with individual actions. Reducing plastic use, proper waste disposal, and tree plantation are small steps that can lead to big impacts." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Following the street play, attendees took a collective pledge to protect the environment. The oath included commitments to reduce resource consumption, reuse materials whenever possible, avoid single-use plastics, maintain cleanliness and hygiene, plant trees and conserve water and energy. As part of the programme, the Forest department distributed saplings of various native tree species to the public, encouraging afforestation and biodiversity conservation. "Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat pollution and climate change. We urge every citizen to grow at least one tree and nurture it. Each person's actions matter when it comes to protecting our planet," a forest official said participating in the event.
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
6 Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures In India That Kids Will Talk About For Years
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. India offers exciting wildlife adventures for famillies, from tracking Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore to dolphin watching in Goa. Kids here can engage with nature through hands-on experiences, fostering education, and connection with animals. India isn't just about colourful cities and ancient monuments — it's also packed with incredible wildlife adventures perfect for families. Whether it's spotting Bengal tigers in the jungle, watching dolphins in Goa, or feeding rescued elephants near Delhi, there are plenty of ways to get kids excited about nature. These experiences are not only fun but also educational, giving children a chance to connect with animals and the environment in a hands-on way. If you're looking for a trip that's screen-free and full of wow moments, here are six wildlife experiences in India that your kids will absolutely love. Here Are 6 Wildlife Experiences In India That Are Perfect For The Young Ones: 1. Track Tigers At Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan If your child is obsessed with The Jungle Book, this one's a winner. Ranthambhore National Park, located in eastern Rajasthan, is one of the best places in the world to spot wild Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park has a high density of tigers — currently around 80 according to the Forest Department (as of early 2024) — which makes sightings more likely, even on a short safari. The guided jeep safaris are well organised, and the best times for tiger sightings are from October to April. The dramatic ruins of Ranthambhore Fort inside the park only add to the sense of adventure. Best age group: 6+ Tip: Book safaris in advance, especially during holidays — they sell out quickly. 2. Visit The Elephant Conservation And Care Centre In Mathura About a three-hour drive from Delhi, this sanctuary run by Wildlife SOS is a peaceful retreat for rescued elephants. Kids can meet gentle giants that have been saved from circuses and temples, and learn about animal welfare in a way that's easy to understand. There's no elephant riding here — which is a good thing. Instead, children can help prepare their food, watch them bathe, and understand the importance of ethical tourism. Best age group: 4+ Tip: Pre-book guided tours — the centre limits visitors to avoid stress to the animals. 3. Go Dolphin Watching In Goa's Chapora River Yes, India has dolphins — and no, you don't have to go to the coast to see them. Hop on a small boat along the Chapora River in North Goa to spot Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. These playful mammals often swim close to the boats, giving kids a close-up look without needing to dive in. This is a more laid-back alternative to ocean tours, especially if you're travelling with younger kids who might not enjoy long boat rides. Best age group: 3+ Tip: Choose ethical operators that don't chase or disturb the dolphins — avoid tours that use loud engines. 4. Join A Junior Naturalist Programme At Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra Tadoba is Maharashtra's oldest national park and has become increasingly popular thanks to its frequent tiger sightings and lush landscapes. What sets it apart? Some lodges around the reserve now offer "junior naturalist" programmes. These sessions teach children how to identify animal tracks, use binoculars properly, and understand forest sounds — basically, everything that will make them feel like the next David Attenborough. Best age group: 7+ Tip: Try staying at one of the eco-lodges like Svasara or Bamboo Forest, which tailor activities for kids. 5. Watch Thousands Of Birds At Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Photo: Pexels Once a royal duck-hunting reserve, Keoladeo in Rajasthan is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bird-watching haven. During the winter months (November to February), the wetlands attract more than 370 species of birds, including painted storks, kingfishers, and even Siberian cranes. It's flat, easily walkable, and perfect for a child's attention span. You can hire a cycle-rickshaw and spot birds at eye level — no long hikes or sitting still for hours required. Best age group: 5+ Tip: Bring a pair of kid-friendly binoculars to keep little ones engaged. 6. Spot Asiatic Lions In Gir National Park, Gujarat India is the only country in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild, and Gir is their last remaining home. While the numbers are small — around 674 lions as per the 2020 census — sightings are fairly common during the open season (October to mid-June). Gir's jeep safaris are well regulated, and local guides are knowledgeable and great with kids. This is one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences your children will likely remember more than any zoo trip. Best age group: 8+ Tip: Travel between December and March for the best weather and better chances of sightings.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
More than 10 tonnes of plastic waste removed from Vellingiri hills
More than 10 tonnes of plastic waste, mainly packaged drinking water bottles and polythene bags, have been removed from Vellingiri hills as the four-month pilgrimage season for this year ended on May 31. According to the Forest Department, 10,905 kg of plastic waste collected at the downhill at Poondi have been shifted by Coimbatore-based Recompose Recycling Private Limited for recycling and making of value-added products. The company will recycle drinking bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Multi-layered plastics (MLP) such as biscuit covers and chocolate wrappers that are hard to be recycled will be turned into value-added products such as roofing sheets, covering sheets and paver blocks. Officials with the Department said the pilgrims were permitted to carry drinking water bottles to the hills after paying a refundable fee of ₹20 a bottle at the entry point on the premises of Vellingiri Andavar temple at Poondi. The bottles were collected from pilgrims when they returned after completing the 6.5 km-long trek (one side). 'Though majority of the pilgrims brought back the bottles and collected the refund, littering of bottles and other plastic waste has been noticed along the trekking route. Special drives will be conducted to collect those wastes and bring them to the downhill,' said an official.
