St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim in association with various groups reportedly organized a mangrove plantation at Varge island, Chicalim on the theme “Come let’s man-groove” which is a year-long mangrove restoration project. A similar mangrove plantation drive was held on the Nerul side at Saipem- Candolim by the same college on the occasion of World Oceans Day. The mangrove species planted were Rhizophora mucronata and Kandelia candel. Planting of mangroves needs to be extended to other islands and the coastline where the mangroves have been destroyed by unscrupulous elements and strict vigil needs to be kept to see that our mangroves remain intact. They help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. Mangroves further improve water quality by absorbing nutrients that might otherwise cause harmful algal blooms offshore. It is learnt that Goa houses 16 mangrove species and it has one of the best mangrove forests in the country. This initiative to plant mangroves needs to be appreciated and such activities should be carried out throughout the state in order to conserve the mangroves which are depleting at a rapid rate.
