To mark World Mangrove Day, a Mangrove Sapling Plantation Drive was organised on July 26, 2025, at the Kovalam coastal region. The event was conducted by the Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, in association with the Ocean Society of India (OSI), National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Mangrove Foundation of India, 4i Apps Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and the Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
The drive was coordinated by Dr. R. Nagalakshmi, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, SRMIST-KTR, and Executive Member of the Ocean Society of India – Chennai Chapter.
The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Dr. R.S. Kankara, Director & Scientist G, NCCR, and Pon Senthil, Ranger, Forest Coastal Security Group Department, who led the ceremonial planting. The event was further graced by the presence of:
- Dr. Tune Usha, Chairperson, OSI Chennai Chapter & Scientist G, NCCR
- Ms. Jossia Joseph, Vice-Chairperson, OSI Chennai Chapter & Scientist F, NIOT
- Mr. K. Thirumurugan, Secretary, OSI Chennai Chapter & Scientist E, NIOT
Together, they served as Guests of Honour and spoke on the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems.
As part of the initiative, 1,350 mangrove saplings were planted along the Kovalam backwaters. Students and faculty from SRMIST Kattankulathur, Anna University, SRM Valliammai Engineering College, and members of the public participated actively, alongside environmental volunteers and local community members.
A key feature of the event was the introduction of Bio-Roll technology by NEEDS NGO—an eco-friendly approach for mangrove afforestation that improves sapling survival, reduces shoreline erosion, and helps rehabilitate degraded coastal areas.
In addition, an orientation session was conducted by Mr. Meerasa and Mr. Abdul Rahaman from the Mangrove Foundation of India. The session aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of mangroves and provided practical guidance on plantation methods.
Mangroves are crucial to coastal resilience—they protect against erosion, support biodiversity, act as carbon sinks, and provide natural buffers against extreme weather events. This initiative aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15, and SDG 17.
A spokesperson from SRMIST noted, “This plantation drive reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. By working together, we can restore and protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.”
This event served as a model for collaborative action between academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, all coming together to protect India’s coastal and marine environments.
