Paradip, Aug. 9: Slackness in vigilance by government agencies has paved the way for felling of mangrove species in the deltaic region close to this port township.

"Mangroves act as a natural buffer for the Paradip coast, which is vulnerable to sea erosion and cyclonic storms. The decimation of the green cover is destined to invite disaster. It will expose the whole area to waves and cyclones," said green activist Amaresh Naresh Samant.

Human interference has taken a heavy toll on the green patches lying close to the Nehru Bungalow at the township. Shanties as well as temporary mud-walled structures have sprouted up with clusters of illegal human settlements. The fishermen community has also occupied patches of land.

"The water bodies traversing through the forest are marked by a judicious mixture of sweet and salinity content, as there is frequent ingress of tidal waves into the water inlets. It is conducive for shrimp farming. That is why prawn farmers have cast their eye on the area. The Paradip civil administration and the forest department have turned a blind eye to such illegal activities," said Samant.

"The standing trees were plugging the tidal water. With trees being felled down, the areas are now vulnerable to the sea's fury," Samant said.

The area, where the tail-end of the Mahanadi river system meanders through and is crisscrossed by innumerable water inlets, is a congenial spot for mangrove species. As there is inflow of tidal water in periodic intervals, the forest area is enriched with lush green mangroves. However, human interference has led to the fast disappearance of standing trees, said green activists.

Bhitarkanika mangrove (wildlife) forest division officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya said: "The encroachment of mangrove cover in the Mahanadi deltaic region near Paradi has been brought to our notice. Stringent legal action would be taken against the offenders. There would be constant watch by the department's mobile squads to ensure that the deltaic region remains free from encroachments."

"Squatters would be sternly dealt with. The forest and revenue department would jointly oversee the operation to save the tree cover along the deltaic region. Plantation drives would be undertaken after the occupied land is reclaimed from the encroachers," said Paradip additional district magistrate Biswajit Biswal.