Krishna University, in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, will soon take up geo-mapping of the mangrove forest cover in Krishna district. “Talks with the NRSC are in crucial stage. The research will focus on increase in the forest cover, apart from identifying the reasons for degradation in specific areas,” university Vice-Chancellor S. Rama Krishna Rao told The Hindu .
Drone cameras
Research would be taken up by deploying drone cameras to document the mangrove cover in key inaccessible areas, Prof. Krishna Rao said. “The present status of the mangrove cover must be documented for its conservation,” he opined.
As per the India State of Forest Report-2015, mangrove forest is spread in an extent of 367 sq km in the State. Of it, 126 sq km is in Krishna district. The report further says that there has been a net increase of 17 sq km in the district since 2013.
In view of reports of disturbance being caused to the forest cover, a scientific exercise to determine the pre-sent status is the need of the hour, says Prof. Krishna Rao.
