Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram   

Rs.10-crore conservation project to be implemented

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT) has planned to implement a series of projects to the tune of Rs.10 crore during the current year.

A proposal to that effect has been sent to the Global Environment Fund of United Nations Development Programme.

The plan is part of the biodiversity conservation programme being implemented in the Gulf of Mannar straddling Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts.

Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, V.K. Melkani, its Director, said the plan would be discussed at a high-level committee meeting headed by the Chief Secretary in Chennai soon. It was likely to ratify the plan of action for the year.

He said a sum of Rs.4.6 crore was spent during the last year for implementing various components of the conservation project.

Twelve research projects to study the coral reef, sea grass belt and others had been undertaken. All details about the ecology of Gulf of Mannar would be clearly defined after the compilation of project reports. Several persons, who were specialists in coral and others, had been given the job of research projects. They were likely to submit their reports this year.

Mr. Melkani said nearly 1,000 self-help groups were benefited under various projects. More than 600 persons from fishermen families were given value-addition training. The GMBORT had conducted filed trips to to study the ecological importance.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Case registered
Rs.10-crore conservation project to be implemented

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu