Mangrove forests and those along riverbanks and coastlines play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of these banks by preventing wave-induced erosion. However, natural processes lead to the gradual destruction of these forests. Similarly, the well-known Kandla Forest in Udupi, Karnataka, is deteriorating over time. The disappearance of plants from the riverside is causing bank erosion issues, leading to frequent waterlogging in the coastal area. Environmentalists are actively seeking solutions to address these problems. 

The riverside and Kandla Forest are vital breeding grounds for aquatic life, providing shelter for many species. The vegetation along the riverbanks serves as a natural barrier against erosion. In response to the decline, environmentalists are initiating tree plantation projects to protect the riverbanks and preserve the ancient forest. 

To address the crisis, Jeet Milan Roach of the Forest Charitable Trust and Vijay Moras of CFAL have initiated a project to plant 45,500 trees along the riverside. The forest department is also supporting this environmental effort. This initiative aims to promote the growth of the Kandla Forest along the coastal riverbanks. The trees will be planted along the banks of the Netravati River, Udyavara Kadekkaru Pangla River, Swarna River, and Havanje Swarna River. 

Jeet Milan Roach and Vijay Moras have already started covering 1 km of the Netravati and Swarna rivers, with plans to extend another four kilometers into Bengal. The planting process follows specific guidelines: there must be a meter of distance between each plant, and planting is timed with the river tides. Workers can only plant from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., as this period is optimal for planting. Despite their efforts, volunteers and workers face significant challenges, including the difficulty of working in muddy conditions. 

As the project progresses, 60 to 70 percent of the trees that have been planted remain, even after enduring strong waves. This resilience is expected to allow the Kandla Forest to regenerate to its previous state in the near future. Currently, four workers are volunteering alongside Jeet Milan Roach to support this effort. 

Image Source: News18