Nurturing the Planet

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants growing in the coastal zone in the tidal areas and estuaries of rivers. Mangroves play a very significant role in maintaining the coastal environment, reducing the impact of wave action and erosion in the coastal areas, preventing salinity and seawater ingress into the inland agricultural areas, and protecting the coastline from the impact of cyclones. Apart from these ecological functions, mangroves play a very significant economic role in the lives of the coastal village communities. The villagers are dependent on mangroves for fodder, fuelwood, and fishing.

L&T’s A. M. Naik Heavy Engineering Complex is located near the coastal region of Hazira (Surat), Gujarat. To maintain coastal environmental integrity and compensatory eco-restoration, we undertook a time-phased mangrove plantation programme over 150 hectares at Katpor village in Hansot block of Bharuch district. The plantation activities were completed in 2014-15 with community participation. This effort has boosted incomes for local farmers, providing a sustainable livelihood while restoring biodiversity and protecting the coastal environment.

The plantation is maintained by the village-level community-based organisation in association with Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) through gap-filling activities and protecting the plantation through social fencing. To improve the biodiversity of the area, and particularly, Bharuch coast, new species like Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagai were also planted on an experimental basis. L&T is now working towards planting mangroves in other locations along coastal area.