Ahmedabad, Oct 26 (NationPress) In the 127th episode of his renowned radio show 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Gujarat's remarkable achievements in mangrove restoration as a model of ecological strength. He drew comparisons between forests that anchor mountainous regions and mangroves that safeguard coastal environments.

PM Modi pointed out how these 'green defenders' help reduce the impact of natural calamities such as tsunamis, while promoting biodiversity and supporting local economies.

'Forests hold the soil in both hills and plains; likewise, mangroves are essential for our coastlines,' he stated, encouraging a sense of environmental responsibility while also extending greetings for the upcoming Chhath Puja, which he characterized as a 'deep connection between culture, nature, and society.'

Central to PM Modi's speech was an inspiring narrative from Dholera, located in Gujarat's Gulf of Khambhat.

Thanks to the proactive initiatives of the state Forest Department, over 3,500 hectares of mangroves, predominantly of the Avicennia marina species, have been cultivated in the last five years, coinciding with the launch of the Central government's MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) program in 2023.

This effort has catapulted Gujarat into the national spotlight, with 19,020 hectares of land afforested in just two years, increasing the state's mangrove coverage to 1,175 square kilometers—the second-largest in India, following the Sundarbans. The outcomes are impressive. The wildlife census of 2024 showed a notable increase in marine fauna along Dholera's rejuvenated coastlines.

'Dolphins are now seen in larger groups,' shared PM Modi, 'and there are thriving populations of crabs... This is nature's gratitude towards us,' he remarked, attributing these successes to community participation.

Reflecting on these achievements, PM Modi also brought attention to Kori Creek in the Kutch district, which houses one of India's most productive mangrove ecosystems, covering 795 sq km. Here, the Forest Department operates a dedicated mangrove recovery center that integrates animal welfare programs to rescue and rehabilitate coastal wildlife. According to reports, recent dolphin sightings across 4,087 sq km from Kutch to Bhavnagar validate the ecosystem's recovery, transforming degraded coastal areas into thriving habitats.

The 2024 census affirmed positive trends: 7,672 wild asses in the Rann of Kutch (a 26 percent increase), along with more frequent observations of otters, jackals, and seabirds.

Mangroves in Guneri village, recognized as Gujarat's first Biodiversity Heritage Site in January, further highlight Kutch's exceptional ecosystems, possibly remnants of ancient riverine landscapes.

Encouraged by these 'positive developments', the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division has announced its inaugural marine life survey for the district's coastlines, inspired by a similar initiative in Kutch in 2024. This survey aims to evaluate fish populations, invertebrates, and dolphin movements, continuing Gujarat's overall mangrove expansion of 6,930 hectares in 2023-24, with an additional 12,000 hectares planned for 2025-26. Such surveys are designed to inform policies that enhance eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries amidst a 2 percent decline in national marine fish catches last year.

PM Modi concluded with an impassioned call to action, 'Wherever we reside, let us plant a tree in honor of our mother—under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.'

He encouraged citizens to participate through MyGov or the NaMo App, framing tree planting as a homage to maternal nurturing and the well-being of our planet.

'Trees are beneficial for all beings, transcending borders,' he continued, tying it to global aspirations such as the LiFE movement.

With Gujarat at the forefront of MISHTI initiatives, PM Modi's message is clear: 'Conservation is a collective effort that yields significant benefits in biodiversity and disaster resilience.'