Bhubaneswar, Oct. 2: Dismayed at the large-scale destruction of mangroves, environmentalists have called for steps to preserve and expand existing forests, with special emphasis on Bhitarkanika, the famous wildlife sanctuary in Kendrapara district.

The call to protect the state's mangrove cover comes ahead of the anniversary of the 1999 super cyclone, perceived to be the biggest natural calamity to hit Odisha.

Green activists believe that the impact of the storm that claimed around 10,000 lives would have been much less had there been enough mangroves along the coastline to withstand the assault of the strong winds generated by the cyclone.

Mangroves are a hardy plant species that help protect the coast from natural calamities such as cyclones.

'The resilience of mangroves is hard to match. Their roots dig deep into the soil and , including birds and reptilesprotecting and 1999 wanton destruction of mangrove cover. The time has come for renewed efforts to save this precious wealth,' said Behera.

Environment expert Sailabala Padhi echoed Behera and said Odisha's mangrove cover could be expanded with a little effort by the government.