Bhubaneswar, 21 February (H.S.): Out of all the 7 coastal districts of the state, mangrove forests are found in 5 districts.

According to the latest India State of Forest Report, 2023, published by the National Forest Survey of India, the state has a total area of 259.06 sq km of mangrove forests. Balasore district has 4.82 sq km, Bhadrak district has 32.39 sq km, Jagatsinghpur district has 8.42 sq km, Kendrapara district has 212.69 sq km and Puri district has 0.74 sq km of mangrove forests.

Realizing the potential of mangrove forests in reducing the impact of cyclones, the government is planting mangrove saplings every year in mangrove suitable places in the coastal areas of the state through various schemes.

Between the financial years 2022-23 and 2024-25, a total of 1,198 hectares of mangrove forest have been planted under various schemes to create mangrove forest, which has helped in increasing the extent of mangrove forest.

According to the India State of Forest Report, 2023, a total of 1.55 sq km of mangrove forest has been grown in the last two years. The area of mangrove forest has increased from 257.51 sq km to 259.06 sq km.

Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia presented this information while replying to a question raised in the Assembly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda