Mangrove conservation efforts flourish along Thoothukudi coast with over 140 hectares restored in four years

Thanks to sustained conservation initiatives of the Thoothukudi Forest Department, mangrove forests across 146 hectares in the coastal villages of Mukkani, Pazhayakayal and Punnakayal in the district have been restored and established in the past four years.

The restoration has been carried out under various initiatives including Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project for Climate Change Response (TNGPCCR), Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) Mission and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Mangroves in Thoothukudi district are of immense ecological and socio-economic significance, particularly along the river mouths, estuaries and coastal stretches. They serve as a natural buffer against coastal erosion, cyclonic storm surges, tidal inundation and saline intrusion.

According to District Forest Officer M. Ilayaraja, the department is focusing on the restored areas in Punnakayal belt, where the Thamirabarani river estuary is located. As part of the restoration efforts, fishbone channel designs have been implemented to ensure that tidal water reaches every corner of the mangrove ecosystem.

Mangrove species such as Avicennia marina have been planted in most of the restored areas due to its high tolerance to salinity, while Rhizophora mucronata has also been introduced in suitable locations.

“The Thoothukudi district has almost reached saturation in terms of mangrove restoration, with only around 50 hectares remaining of 200-hectare target. However, the small patch of mangrove in Roche park continues to thrive, and the State government has submitted a proposal to the Salt Commissioner’s Organisation seeking permission to utilise the nearby land for ecological purposes. If approved, the area could be used for further expansion of mangrove plantations,” Mr. Ilayaraja said.

The mangroves also support rich marine and estuarine biodiversity and serve as a vital nursing and breeding ground of fish, prawn and other aquatic organisms, contributing significantly to the local fisheries. In addition, they also play an important role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, and provide essential ecosystem services that sustain the livelihood of coastal and mangrove dependent communities.

To encourage community participation in conservation, mangrove councils have been established in Mukkani and Pazhayakayal villages. Two more villages will be selected in the current year for formation of mangrove councils. As part of the initiative, fishermen will be provided with micro funds for mangrove maintenance and monitoring activities.

There are also plans under way to plant associated species such as Salvadora persica to prevent the spread of Prosopis juliflora in areas like Punnakayal, while also enhancing biodiversity, stabilising soil and providing ecological buffering, the District Forest Officer added.