The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Green belt to beat back waves in coastal areas

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Saturday, Aug 11, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Green belt to beat back waves in coastal areas

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Forest Department has identified 29.5 hectares of land in the coastal areas of the district for the Theeravanam project aimed at creating a natural barrier against tidal surges and heightened wave action.

Coastal protection and afforestation committees will be constituted in the targeted areas. Headed by the ward member, the committee will include one person from each household and representatives of political parties, trade unions and NGOs. An official of the Forest Department will be the panel’s secretary.

The sites were identified on the basis of a survey. The study found that some parts of the Kottukal, Kadhinamkulam, Chirayinkeezh, Anchuthengu, Vettoor and Idava panchayats and the wards of Panathura, Poonthura, Beemapally, Manikyavilakam, Sanghumukham, Valiathura, Kannanthura, Pallithura and Vettukad were ideal for planting trees.

The barrier will also protect the coast from erosion and winds. Bamboo, mangroves, almond, casuarina, ‘punna’ and ‘poovarasu’ are likely to be used for the project. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan is expected to inaugurate Theeravanam at Perumathara on August 16.

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