Did the TN government really restore 2,057 hectares of mangroves in Muthupet?

Chennai, June 30 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to enhance Tamil Nadu's most extensive mangrove ecosystem, the state forest department has successfully restored and planted mangroves over an impressive area of 2,057 hectares in the Muthupet region, located in the Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts, between 2022 and 2025.

This three-year project, spearheaded by the Tiruvarur Forest Division, concentrated on the Muthupet wetland complex, a sprawling 12,020-hectare territory at the intersection of the Koraiyar and Pamaniyar rivers.

Mangroves serve as natural barriers, safeguarding coastal communities against storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion while also fostering biodiversity.

Official reports indicate that 1,350 hectares were newly planted, while an additional 707 hectares underwent restoration through desilting and canal repairs. Of this total, 1,482 hectares are located in Thanjavur district, and 575 hectares in Tiruvarur.

The wetlands primarily consist of Avicennia marina (grey mangroves), which represents 95 percent of Tamil Nadu's mangrove cover.

Additionally, officials reintroduced Aegiceras corniculatum (black mangroves) and Rhizophora mucronata (red mangroves) to enhance ecological diversity. The department has planted over 1.2 million propagules and saplings, supported by a canal network extending over 380 km.

Community involvement has been pivotal in restoring the mangrove resources. Village Mangrove Councils (VMCs) were established in six villages, including Veerankoil and Thondiyakadu, engaging more than 10,000 individuals across 16 fishing villages that rely on mangrove-rich waters for their livelihoods.

These councils played a crucial role in maintaining canals and seed propagation, merging traditional knowledge with scientific methods. Forest officials mentioned that scientific mapping and ground surveys are currently being conducted to identify additional degraded areas.

Preliminary surveys indicate that there are 700 hectares available for potential planting and 800 hectares suitable for further restoration. As part of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, this initiative has also created over 86,000 man-days of employment through plantation and canal maintenance work. In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, close to 31,000 man-days were recorded, with an additional 32,397 in 2023-24.

Officials highlighted that the Muthupet mangroves, located within the Point Calimere Ramsar site, are vital habitats for over 100 migratory bird species and act as nurseries for fish, thereby enhancing local biodiversity and climate resilience.