Foresters take up mangrove restoration works in Machilipatnam

Based on directions from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal on protection and conservation of wetlands and especially the mangrove forests, the forest department took up the initiative despite resistance from several quarters.

The authorities have noticed encroachment of 8,000 acres of forest land. There, pisciculture and aquaculture were illegally being taken up by raising fish tanks in large areas. The authorities raised their concern that, if such a practice is allowed, it will have a major impact on local flora and fauna and biodiversity.

The mangrove forests serve as a habitat for even Schedule-1 animals like otters, fishing cats, jackals and several types of species of fish and birds. The forests also serve as a natural barrier to protect Machilipatnam from nature’s fury in the form of cyclonic storms and tsunami- like devastation.

The illegal encroachment of Bandar Fort reserve forest lands and the abutting RFs has been going on for a long time. Even the Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the AP government, way back in 2017, gave a report on deforestation of mangrove forests in Machilipatnam and Kruthivennu mandals in Krishna district. It suggested several remedial measures.

But, there is only marginal progress in curbing the encroachments and evicting the encroachers so as to restore mainly the mangrove forests. This was due to political intervention from the respective governments.

With last year’s change of government in AP, the foresters have started the mangrove restoration works. They managed to clear the area to an extent of 125 acres in recent days.

With increased activity vis-à-vis mangroves restoration works, those who were enjoying the illegal possession of the forest lands are making attempts to thwart the present drive.
In addition to this, sources cite some proposals to set up micro, small and medium enterprises and even a petroleum refinery plant in the RF area in violation of environmental norms. This, they say, may even cause major damage to the bio-diversity and ecosystem in the RF area.

Environmentalists have sought the intervention of the chief minister and deputy chief minister to address the issue and protect and conserve the mangrove forests.

A forest official said, “If the Bandar Fort Reserve Forest Area and its adjoining RFs are allowed to be encroached further, it may become another Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary where hundreds of fish tanks will come up in thousands of acres to destroy the mangrove forests and make the Machilipatnam coastline vulnerable for nature’s fury in the days to come.”