To conserve and protect the eco-system of the Godavari estuary from industrial pollution, forest authorities plan to launch a program-me under the aegis of the United Nations Develop-ment Programme at a cost of $ 6 million for a period of five years in East Godavari.

In the wake of the presence of a large number of industrial units including fertiliser manufacturing units and others, the authorities intend to take up a study on how industrialisation is showing impact on the rich bio-diversity and the thick growth of mangroves, vegetation and marine life. They also intend to study how the presence of the port, exploration activities of hydrocarbons and discharge of industrial effluent impact marine bio-diversity and the livelihood of fishermen.

Forest authorities maintain that after carrying out a study involving experts in various fields, they will come up with a series of suggestions to be adopted by industrial units in their production practices.

Forest authorities are also planning to take up integrated development of mangroves and also fill up vegetation gaps in the Coringa wildlife sanctuary.

The programme called ‘Godavari Foundation’ will be implemented by the forest department under the supervision of the Union ministry of environment and forests.

The authorities are planning to hold a workshop involving all stakeholders at Kakinada on March 17 and 18 to explain the programme and the support needed from stakeholders in its implementation. An office was set up at Kakinada and a few officers posted to make arrangements for implementation of the programme. A bio-laboratory will also be set up soon.

The Eluru wildlife management circle conservator of forests and programme director, Mr A.K. Sinha, said tha the objective of the programme was to ensure the functioning of several production units without affecting the rich bio-diversity, marine life and livelihood of people in the area.