Ganjam Youths take the initiative to protect coastline

BERHAMPUR: A group of volunteers of Purunabandh village in Ganjam district are trying to save the coastline near their village through mangrove plantations. These youths are members of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee (RSTPC) who play a major role in the protection of Olive ridleys which come to the coast near Rushikulya rookery for nesting. During past few years sea erosion had increased in the area. It increased during storms. “So, we decided to take up measures to save the coastline near our village,” said Rabindranath Sahu of RSTPC. It may be noted that in the past sea erosion had led to destruction of Olive ridley nests on this coastline.
These youths have already planted around 1000 mangrove plants by the side of the of the Palur canal near the Rushikulya rookery. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats.
These youths have the faith that once established; the roots of mangrove plants would check erosion and enhance sediment deposition in area of plantation. Mangroves have always proved to have protected coastal areas from erosion and storm surge of sea waves. The intricate and massive root network of mangrove plants is efficient in dispelling wave energy. They also slow down tidal water and allow sediments to get deposited as the tide comes in. These youths are collecting the saplings of mangrove plants from a special nursery established near Gokharkuda by ‘Pallisri’. The mangrove plants from this nursery are also being planted near Gokharkuda village.

Source: The Hindu