Kerala (India) Gvn. To Boost Planting Of Coastal Mangrove Forests

[hatrack]

From the Just In Time Department . . .

KOCHI, JANUARY 2: 'This may sound like locking the stable after the horses have bolted. The state government has decided to float a Rs 35-crore project aimed at insulating Kerala coasts against tidal surges with mangroves and castanea.

The sudden move to adopt an eco-strategy stems from the fact that the tsunami attack left smaller scars on coasts with a green buffer than barren beaches and sea-facing landscapes. The government is mooting heavy incentives for institutions who adopt a shoreline and give it a protective belt.

The project has been cleared by Forest Minister K.P. Viswanathan. ‘‘It is basically aimed at disaster mitigation. The tragedy has taught a lesson that better forest cover will minimise the impact in the eventuality of a natural catastrophe. We’re now engaged in identifying species best suited for Kerala coasts,’’ said C V Anand Bose, Forest Secretary.

The government has approached the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, among others, for preparing a list of species that will protect land area from landslides, frequent flooding and other calamities."

EDIT

http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=62000