Bhubaneswar: In a bid to reduce the devastating effects of cyclones, the Odisha government has been actively planting mangrove saplings in coastal areas through various schemes. This was informed by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia in response to a question raised in the Assembly.
Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, a total of 1,198 hectares of mangrove forest have been planted, contributing to the expansion of mangrove forests in the state. This effort is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to harness the potential of mangrove forests in protecting coastal communities from cyclones.
Mangrove forests have been recognized for their role in acting as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges, providing vital protection for the coastal belt of Odisha.
According to the India State of Forest Report, 2023, a total of 1.55 sq km of mangrove forest has been grown in the last two years. The area of mangrove forest has increased from 257.51 sq km to 259.06 sq km.
Out of all the 7 coastal districts of the state, mangrove forests are found in 5 districts. According to the latest India State of Forest Report, 2023, published by the National Forest Survey of India, the state has a total area of 259.06 sq km of mangrove forests. Balasore district has 4.82 sq km, Bhadrak district has 32.39 sq km, Jagatsinghpur district has 8.42 sq km, Kendrapara district has 212.69 sq km and Puri district has 0.74 sq km of mangrove forests.
