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**Summary:**

Muthupet, Tamil Nadu, has seen a significant increase in its mangrove forest cover between 2022 and 2025, adding 2,057 hectares. This growth is attributed to collaborative efforts between the local community, fishing families, and the Forest Department. Restoration activities, especially the innovative “fishbone technique” which improves tidal water flow, have played a crucial role. The initiative is part of the Green TN Mission, which has resulted in extensive new mangrove plantations and the restoration of existing ones. These mangroves are vital for coastal protection, biodiversity, and the Cauvery delta ecosystem.

**News Article:**

**Muthupet Mangroves Flourish, Thanks to Community Effort and Innovative Techniques**

**CHENNAI, June 29, 2025** – Muthupet, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is celebrating a significant increase in its mangrove forest cover, highlighting the success of collaborative conservation efforts. Over the past three years, the mangrove area in Muthupet, the state’s largest mangrove forest, has expanded by an impressive 2,057 hectares.

This remarkable growth is a result of a partnership between the local community, particularly fishing families, and the Forest Department. Active restoration activities, ongoing since 2001, have been optimized using innovative techniques. A key strategy has been the “fishbone technique,” introduced in 2004. This system of canals enhances tidal water flow, essential for mangrove growth and seed dispersal.

“The fishbone technique has been a game-changer. By creating a network of canals, we’ve improved tidal water flow, which is crucial for mangrove establishment,” said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests. “Under the Green TN Mission, in Muthupet alone we have planted more than 12 lakh mangrove propagules creating 1350 hectares of new plantations here,” Ms. Sahu shared on X.

The Muthupet wetland complex, a haven for diverse wildlife including migratory water birds like Lesser Flamingos and Spot-Billed Pelicans, is shielded by these vital mangrove forests. These forests act as a natural defense against storm surges, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. They also play a crucial role in the Cauvery delta’s ecology and the hydrology of several key distributaries.

Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 1,350 hectares of new mangrove plantations were established, with another 707 hectares undergoing restoration. The success in Muthupet serves as a model for coastal conservation, demonstrating the power of community engagement and innovative solutions in protecting vital ecosystems.

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