Green belt rejuvenated along the coast with Rs 68 crore World Bank fund

Visakhapatnam: Cyclone Hudhud that ravaged the port city and ripped apart its green lustre also made people understand the significance of having green belt along the coast that could have minimised the impact of the cyclone.

Of the World Bank fund assigned to the Forest Department, major share of 60 per cent was diverted for the betterment of the lives of those affected and to support projects including the development of shelter-belt plantations of Casuarina, Palmyrah and nurseries. This was to help restore the shelter-belt plantations along the coast which will, in turn, support the livelihood of people.

A greenbelt assists in providing a shelterbelts that can manage wind breaking with mangroves along the coast. It supports livelihood opportunities for the poor and vulnerable families living in coastal areas through development of nurseries.

“As many as 1,200 hectares of land along the coast in the four districts of Vizag, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and East Godavari are to be planted over a period of around four years. Mostly Casuarina and Palmyrah species are being planted in three districts and mangroves in EG district. So far, 430 hectares have been covered in the two years. Almost 2,500 saplings have been planted in a hectare. Casuarina plantation will check wind velocity and help reduce damage in the event of natural calamities,” said Chief Conservator of Forest Rahul Pandey.

Of the Rs 68 crore sanctioned for the coastal green belt project, the department has already spent around Rs 7 crore, he added.