Coringa Mongrove in Kakinada



A view of Coringa mangrove near Kakinada.
Coringa Mongrove in Kakinada

A blend of entertainment and education is the best package to grab for summer vacation and the famous Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary on the city outskirts is offering it. The community-based eco tourism (CBT) package from the Forest Department is providing an opportunity to the public to go deep into the mangroves on the newly laid interior roads, besides enjoying a boat ride till the sea-mouth.

Known as the second largest mangrove in the country after Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Coringa mangrove is famous for its flora and fauna. As many as 35 plant species and 120 species of fauna are present in the sanctuary. Located about 15 km from the city on Kakinada-Yanam route, Coringa has entry points at Chollangi, Coringa and Ramannapalem villages, where the Forest Department erected hoardings welcoming the nature lovers.

“The response to the eco-tourism package is impressive. We are witnessing huge rush on holidays and weekends,” says Y. Kalpana, Forest Beat Officer, posted at Chollangi. Swings, ramps and other play equipment have been arranged for children at Chollangi, besides construction two rest houses for those who prefer daylong stay in the sanctuary. “Pedal boats and 20-seater boats are available here for those who wish to go boating. 

 The boating provides an opportunity to have a very close glimpse of the mangrove for about 40 minutes,” she says, while giving the details of daylong boating facility. The entry fee for eco-tourism is Rs. 10 per head for elders and Rs. 5 per child. Various boating packages are available that range from Rs. 400 to Rs. 2,500 per boat of a capacity of 20 persons.

“Coringa is the right place to take children for an outing. A tour in the mangrove helps children know about the importance of protecting the nature and environment,” says L. Seshu Kumari, convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage (INTACH).
  • Coringa mangrove near Kakinada is considered the second largest mangrove in the country after Sundarbans.              
  • Mangroves in India account for about three per cent of the world's mangrove vegetation
  • The Forest Dept. is offering eco-tourism package to tourists visiting the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
India recorded a net increase of 23.34 sq. km of mangrove cover between 2009 and 2011, thanks to efforts of one of the most industrialised states, Gujarat, in planting and regenerating the ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
The new biennial assessment report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) has commended Gujarat's contribution in planting and regenerating the mangroves, a salt tolerant plant community, which harbours a number of critically endangered flora and fauna species.
“Compared with 2009 assessment, there has been a net increase of 23.34 sq. km in the mangrove cover of the country. This can be attributed to increased plantations particularly in Gujarat state and regeneration of natural mangrove areas,” according to the assessment by the FSI, an arm of Union Environment Ministry.
Mangroves in India account for about three per cent of the world's mangrove vegetation. The report says mangrove cover in India is 4,662 sq. km, which is 0.14 per cent of the country's total geographical area. Sundarbans in West Bengal accounts for almost half of the total area under mangroves in the country.
The very dense mangrove comprises 1,403 sq. km (30.10 per cent of the total mangrove cover), moderately dense mangrove is 1,658.12 sq. km (35.57 per cent) while open mangroves cover an area of 1,600.44 sq. km (33 per cent).
Mangrove forests are regarded as the most productive wetlands in the world on account of the large quantities of organic and inorganic nutrients released in the coastal waters by these ecosystems.
They also act as nurseries for fin fish, shell fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Source: The Hindu