Project Shift Approach to Mangrove Plantations as Storm Resistance.
Kolkatas women-led mangrove project has emerged as a powerful tool against cyclonic storms, with its success garnering national acclaim. The initiative, known as the Mishti project, has received a sanction of Rs 200 crore from the Union Government and aims to systematically plant mangroves along the Indian coastline to mitigate the impacts of cyclones. This project, spread across districts in West Bengal, has also become a shining example of women empowerment, as women-dominated Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a crucial role in the plantation and maintenance of the mangroves. This news comes via TWC India.
Last year, six coastal states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, sought the expertise of the West Bengal forest department to acquire nine varieties of mangrove seeds for their respective states. In response, a team of experts provided training to counterparts in these states on the plantation and maintenance of mangrove saplings. Mangroves are known for their distinctive stilt roots, which provide mechanical support and make them resilient to cyclonic storms.
The Project Green Warriors, spearheaded by the Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) since 2007, has been instrumental in focusing efforts on achieving permanent protection from cyclones. The project started in three villages in the South 24 Parganas area and has highlighted the importance of educating local communities to avoid harmful practices such as cattle grazing and fishing net dragging, which can cause uprooting and soil erosion.
The success of the mangrove plantation project was evident during Cyclone Aila in 2009, where the areas under mangrove forestation remained untouched while other parts of the Sunderbans suffered severe damage. This led to further mobilization of funds, risk-mapping, and the involvement of over 18,000 local women between 2010 and 2015. Large-scale mangrove forestation covered 4,600 hectares across 183 villages in 14 community development blocks in the Sunderbans area. The initiative was also integrated into the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Acts 100-day job project, ensuring continued protection of coastlines.
Despite minor modifications by The Weather Company, the source of this news article is TWC India. The Weather Companys mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment, and the importance of science. It is important to note that the information in this article does not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the parent company, IBM.
