Science

Dr. MS Swaminathan saved several Odisha villages from cyclone fury by restoring mangroves

Known for his pioneering work in agriculture, the renowned scientist M.S. Swaminathan also contributed a great deal in the preservation of the environment. It was his sincere efforts that helped save lives of hundreds in the coastal areas of Kendrapara district in Odisha during the cyclone which hit the region in 1999.

Several villages managed to bear the brunt of this devastating cyclone and survived because the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation founded by the scientist led the way to regenerate mangrove forests near the coastline. Acting as a formidable natural barrier, mangroves play a vital role in keeping intact shorelines while protecting them from cyclones and storms.

The foundation launched a massive mangrove regeneration project in 1994 which covered 25 seaside villages under the Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara. In a span of 12 years, the hard work of MSSRF paid off and mangrove forests came up in large tracts of coastal areas.

Going beyond this, the Foundation also played a vital role in providing livelihood to hundreds of locals by converting 20 villages into bio-villages and integrating farming systems. The farmers were trained by MSSRF in ecosystem-based sustainable livelihoods such as mangrove restoration, handicraft, sustainable fisheries, and science-led horticulture, apiculture, mushroom cultivation and management of coconut.

The scientist had visited the district’s seaside villages several times during the mangrove regeneration work. Many of the villagers had interacted with him and remember him fondly till this day.

Besides helping people, these mangroves play a crucial role in the ecology by supporting 175 species of birds, including migratory geese and ducks. They are home to 26 species of mammals, 44 species of reptiles, five species of amphibians, and several species of fishes.

Among the important carnivores found in these mangroves are the endangered fish cat, the leopard cat, the Indian python, the King Cobra, the water monitor and salt-water crocodile.

The place is an important part of the breeding grounds of the turtles.

The Father of India’s Green revolution as Dr. Swaminathan was fondly called, passed away at the age of 98 in Chennai on Thursday.

S.Ravi

S. Ravi writes on science, evolution and wildlife besides trends in culture, history, art, and stories of human interest.

Recent Posts

VINBAX 2024: Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise concludes at Kaushalya Dam

The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its…

10 hours ago

India-Russia strengthen defence ties at 22nd Working Group meeting on military technical cooperation

The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military technical cooperation and defence industry…

10 hours ago

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

12 hours ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

12 hours ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

14 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

14 hours ago