Andhra Pradesh: Fisherpeoples' Protest Compel Stoppage of Mangrove Destruction
Gogannamattam Village (16°26'23.67"N,
81°57'3.13"E) located on the bank of Vainatheya which is a tributary of
River Godavari. On the west side of the village flows river Vainatheya which
opens up at nearby coast into Bay of Bengal. This creates a unique estuary from
the coast where large area of Mangrove patches was formed.
On the date of 25-01-2022 excavators
started excavating the soil and forming an approach road to enter the Mangrove
patch (16°25'55.62"N, 81°57'14.41"E). Villagers of Gogannamattam
village after knowing the information of excavation activity had rushed to the
destruction site. Excavators had formed an approach road and uprooted the mangrove trees on the
site. Villagers obstructed the destruction of Mangrove trees and the excavation
activity was stopped. Excavators had destroyed several trees in the area which belong to the Mangrove
species.
Biodiversity: Mangroves in this region
supports as life line for many Bird species and Marine species. The area of
Mangroves near Gogannamattam are important habitat for Painted storks (Mycteria
leucocephala) whose numbers are decreasing and classified as Near threatened in
IUCN red list. These mangroves support marine species for their reproduction
and hatching of their eggs. Many species of Mollusca, Amphibians, Reptiles
depend on this habitat for their survival. This site acts as nesting site for
many birds.
CRZ: Based on Coastal Zone Management Plan
(CZMP) the area which is intended to be destroyed and approach road was laid
falls under CRZ – IA which is highly protected area and consists of critical
flora and fauna. No construction activities of activities related to
aquaculture are allowed in this zone. As this area had Mangroves additional 50
m buffer zone is allowed for protection of mangroves from any type of
constructions.