The Hindu Business Line : AP plans to rehabilitate mangrove forest

Hyderabad May 23 The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to rehabilitate 5,600 hectares of mangrove forest in the coastal districts of the State in the next two years.

The Andhra Pradesh would also develop shelter-belts across 3,000 hectares to protect coastal areas vulnerable to natural calamities. The mangrove ecosystem provides life to endangered species such as otter and fishing cat.

Giving these details at the stakeholders meeting organised by the AP Biodiversity Board, here on Tuesday, the Chief Guest, Ms R. Janaki Kondapi, Special Chief Secretary, said that in efforts to restore the glory of the Kolleru lake about 1,776 illegal fish tanks covering about 45,000 hectares were being removed from encroachments.

More awareness

Stressing the need for creating awareness on conservation of the rich biological heritage of the State as well as creating income generating activities for the local people, she said about 12 community-based, eco-tourism projects were planned.

The Biodiversity Board would initiate steps to protect traditional knowledge and improve awareness on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, Ms Kondapi said.

Referring to black bucks, the State animal, she said about 3,500 of them were being relocated to minimise man-animal conflict and to ensure protection of the species. Similarly, efforts were on to relocate monkeys, payment of compensation to victims of wild animal attacks etc.

Andhra Pradesh has species diversity with over 5,000 plants, 100 mammals, 500 birds and 100 reptiles. More than 400 plant species are unique. About 1,800 of them have local use as medicine, food, fodder, fibre etc.

Several NGOs (non-Government organisations), like the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF), Deccan Development Society (DDS), Salim Ali Centre for Conservation of Nature, Butterfly Conservation Society and AP Centre for Environmental Education took part in an exhibition on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day on Tuesday.

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