From Sundarbans to Kerala: Meet the Everyday Heroes Fighting to Save India’s Mangroves

Did you know mangroves have been acting as hidden guardians of India’s shores? Nestled between land and sea, these salt-tolerant ecosystems resist saline water and tidal waves. They shelter coasts from the wrath of storms and the creeping menace of sea-level rise, while gulping carbon dioxide heroically.

Yet, they battle pollution and climate change relentlessly. From the majestic Sundarbans— a UNESCO treasure—to the vibrant coasts of Kerala, mangroves stand as untapped protectors.

It is estimated that more than half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse. So, how can we empower these coastal champions to continue their vital role? 

Today, we dive into the enigmatic world of mangroves and uncover their untold stories through the lens of five individuals, who strive to protect mangroves along India’s coast.

1. Kandal Rajan

Kannur-based Rajan has dedicated over 40 years to conserving the mangrove belt on the Pazhayandi River. Owning a small nursery, he begins each day navigating the river in his fishing canoe, caring for the mangroves he has nurtured. His mission is clear: to save and restore mangroves, crucial ecosystems for fish and other species, which are rapidly disappearing due to human activities like shrimp and paddy farming.

Though saddened by their destruction, Rajan continues planting and shares saplings to encourage others to join his cause.

2. Akul Biswas

In 2005, Akul began planting mangrove saplings along the Bidyadhari River in Sundarbans. His dedication inspired locals, leading to the formation of Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini, a group of over 200 women working to revive the Sundarbans’ mangrove forests. 

Blind from glaucoma, Biswas also runs a coaching centre in a makeshift tent for children and mothers who dropped out of school. They run mangrove nurseries, support livelihoods, and promote biodiversity with micro-solar domes and fruit plantations.

3. Murukesan

Affectionately known as the ‘Mangrove Man’ in Kochi, he is on an ambitious mission to plant mangroves along Kerala’s shores. A lifelong fisherman since age 20, Murukesan’s love for the coastline only deepened.

In 2013, he undertook this colossal endeavour, and today, more than 1 lakh mangroves grace Kochi’s shores due to his efforts. He is determined to continue planting for life and passionately encourages others to join this essential environmental mission.

4.  Seema Adgaonkar 

Since 2013, Seema has tirelessly dedicated herself to preserving Mumbai’s mangrove forests, increasing their cover from 42 sq km in 2005 to 66 sq km in 2017. The former Range Forest Officer has been instrumental in the city’s mangrove conservation efforts.

Through awareness campaigns and mangrove trails for women and students, Seema emphasises the importance of these “green soldiers” to Mumbai’s existence. Her persistent efforts showcase her belief: “Mangroves hai toh Mumbai hai (If mangroves are saved, Mumbai will be saved). Else, these big towers will fall like leaves. To make Mumbai sensitive towards its unsung heroes, saving the mangroves is my life’s mission, and I will continue doing this as long as I can!”

5. Bijay Kumar Kabi

Bijay, who is the director at Action for Protection of Wild Animals in Odisha, spearheads a mangrove forest project to shield Badakot village from cyclone erosion. Along with villagers, he planted 15,000 mangroves, growing to over 50,000, creating a thriving habitat with 32 mangrove species.

These efforts highlight the vital role of mangroves in reducing cyclone impacts, recognised since the 1999 super cyclone that caused massive loss of life. “No technology can withstand the severity of the climate. I have been a witness to the wrath of environmental disasters and experienced their consequences all my life. I know that mangroves are the only solution to the problem,” he says.

Edited by Vidya Gowri

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