(a) whether the severity of cyclone in Orissa was due to depletion of saline forests on the coast line;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government for plantation in the super cyclone affected area of Orissa and to raise saline forests on the coast line of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV)
(a) , (b) & (c) The saline forests do have significant role in mitigating the impact of cyclone in coastal areas. Accordingly, Ministry of Environment and Forests has identified development of Mangroves and Coastal Shelterbelt plantation as Thrust areas for priority action after the Super Cyclone in Orissa,. Under the Scheme on Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs, Bhitarkanika, Mahanadi, Subernrekha, Devi, Dhamra and Chilka in Orissa, Coringa, East Godavari and Krishna mangrove areas in Andhra Pradesh and Sunderbans in West Bengal have been identified for intensive conservation and management. Financial assistance is extended to the concerned States for implementation of Management Action Plans on the identified mangrove areas as well as for Coastal shelterbelt plantation.