Bhubaneswar: The mangrove forest cover in Odisha has increased by 8 km in two years since 2017, said India State of Forest Report 2019.
In terms of the increase of mangrove forest cover, Odisha ranks third in the country after Gujarat and Maharashtra, the report added.
The mangrove belt in Kendrapara district known as Bhitarkanika mangrove forests comprises areas between Dhamara mouth and Barunei on the coast (672 sq km), has been notified as Bhitarkanika Sanctuary while a part of this area (145 sq km) is notified as National Park.
Mangroves are salt tolerant plant species found in the inter-tidal regions along the creeks and estuaries near the coast, on the river mouth. They play a very significant role in protecting the hinterland against cyclones and the ingress of sea water during tidal surge.
Besides, they stabilize the coastal land mass against sea erosion. They are repositories of immense biological diversity and the nursery and breeding ground of several marine life forms, such as species of prawns, crabs, fishes and molluscs. Mangroves sustain the ecological security of the coastal areas as well as livelihood security of the thousands of fisherman and other who live in these areas.
