A new patch of mangroves has sprung up along the coast at Pichavaram in Cuddalore district through the efforts of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Forest Department at a cost of ₹1.97 crore. Over 75,000 saplings of Rhizophora apiculala were grown by the Forest Department in its nursery and planted in a modified fish bone plantation.

Sources in the NHAI said the plantation was done for 15 square metres of mangroves that were destroyed in Marakkanam during the widening of East Coast Road and Mamallapuram to Puducherry National Highway NH-332A. Though an impact of 21.283 hectares was estimated at the detailed project report stage, out of the three locations, mangroves were affected at only one location, which was identified via GPS by the Anna University’s Institute of Remote Sensing as the Marakkanam Estuary. This was achieved through minor modifications in the project during the construction stage.

In Marakanam Estuary alone, 39,620 mangroves across 11.32 hectares were said to be affected, however, by retaining existing bridges and limiting approach works strictly to the necessary construction limits on the ground, the NHAI successfully reduced the actual physical impact to just over a hundred trees and 0.15 hectares. Field personnel physically surveyed and counted the existing standing mangrove plants (Avicennia marina and Rhizophora species).

“However, since we had proposed a comprehensive plan of ₹1.97 Crore covering 11.32 h.a. with 75,000 saplings in the Pichavaram mangrove region, we requested the Forest Department to go ahead with the planting, though the damage was minimised,” an official said.

As suitable lands were not available within Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, the Forest Department identified three patches in the Pichavaram mangrove region of Cuddalore District — Vandalmunai, MGR Thittu, and Kottumunai — for the afforestation operation.

The plantation activities had also generated employment opportunities for tribal communities through deployment of around 150 men and women tribal workers, generating a total of 18,135 man-days of employment.