Kerala - Kozhikode   

Mangrove park to be set up in Koyilandy soon

KOZHIKODE: The mangrove park being set up by the Koyilandy Municipality is an initiative to conserve and propagate the precious vegetation and is expected to provide information to the public on the different mangrove species and the like.

K. Dasan, chairperson of the municipality, said the park comprised a 3.5-km stretch on the banks of the Anaelapuzha, a tributary of the Korapuzha, that was noted for the lush mangrove growth.

“Rampant land reclamation in municipal areas and fishing activity near the mangroves are posing grave hazards. The park is an attempt to prevent further degradation.”

The municipality had imposed a ban on fishing in the mangrove-growing areas. Efforts were also on to sensitise fisher folk on the hazards of casting net at these places, which would destroy the fish species.

“Nature clubs are assisting the municipality in the initiative and efforts are on to list the rare birds that nest in the mangroves. The park area will be along the stretch from Kodakatnur to the Kanayankode bridge and include ‘puramboke’ land of the civic body. The land identified for setting up the park has been acquired by the civic body.”

A sum of Rs.25 lakh has been earmarked from the own fund of the municipality for constructing a library. The library will have books and other materials to highlight the importance of mangroves in the conservation of the ecosystem.

The Forest Department has promised assistance for developing the park and officials of the department visited the park area. A ‘kandal’ nursery will showcase different mangrove species that are found outside the State. An aquarium will be set up with fish varieties that are found around the mangroves, Mr. Dasan said.

As part of an educative drive and awareness campaign, a boat ride along the coastal stretch will be conducted for children to highlight the importance of conserving the vegetation under threat of extinction.

The municipal authorities, meanwhile, await response from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) on a project proposal sent in 2004.

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