Introduction

• Cyclone Dana made landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha.
• The cyclone did not cause significant damage, contrary to expectations.
• Key factors in mitigating damage:
  • State authorities evacuated one million people.
  • The protective role of mangrove forests in the region.

What Are Mangroves?

• Definition:
  • Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs in estuarine and intertidal regions.
• Characteristics:
  • Aerial, breathing roots and waxy, succulent leaves.
  • Flowering plants that reproduce via propagules.
• Largest Mangrove Forest:
  • The Sundarbans (spanning India and Bangladesh).
• Common Mangrove Species:
  • Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
  • Avicennia marina
  • Grey mangrove (Rhizophora)
• Geographic Distribution in India:
  • Godavari Krishna delta (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Bhitarkanika (Odisha)
  • Andaman Islands
  • Coastal areas of Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, etc.

How Do Mangroves Protect Against Cyclones?

• Function as a Natural Barrier:
  • Act against storm surges caused by cyclones.
  • Roots, husks, and leaves obstruct water flow.
• Research Findings:
  • Some species (e.g., Sonneratia apetala) can reduce surge height by 4 cm to 16.5 cm.
  • Mangrove strips of 50 m to 2 km can reduce water flow velocity by 29% to 92%.
• Synergy with Built Infrastructure:
  • Planting mangroves in front of embankments can further decrease water flow velocity.

How Vast Is Bhitarkanika’s Mangrove Forest Cover?

• Current Status:
  • Odisha has a mangrove reserve of 231 square kilometers, primarily in Bhitarkanika.
  • Second largest mangrove area in India, after the Sundarbans.
• Specific Areas:
  • 82 sq km of densely infested mangrove area.
  • 95 sq km of moderately dense mangrove forest.
• Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park:
  • Coastal patches of 672 sq km designated as Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975.
  • Core area of 145 sq km designated as a National Park in September 1998.
• Historical Resilience:
  • The park has survived several cyclones, including the Super Cyclone of October 1999.

Conclusion

• The mangrove forests of Odisha, particularly in Bhitarkanika, played a significant role in reducing the impact of Cyclone Dana.
• Their natural protective capabilities highlight the importance of conserving such ecosystems for future resilience against climate-related disasters.