Tamil Nadu's mangrove cover reaches 9,039 hectares

Tamil Nadu's mangrove cover has increased significantly, reaching 9,039 hectares in 2024, up from 4,500 hectares in 2021. This growth is due to new plantations and the preservation of existing mangroves, according to a report from Anna University. Tiruvarur district has the largest mangrove area at 2,142 hectares, while Thanjavur follows with 2,063 hectares. Together, these districts account for nearly half of the state's total mangrove area. Other contributing districts include Cuddalore and Nagapattinam. The report notes that mangroves in Tamil Nadu have substantial carbon storage capacities, which help combat climate change. However, invasive species like Prosopis juliflora pose challenges to these ecosystems.