Project Alaiyathi - A Million Mangroves Initiative

The waterways stretching from the Ennore Creek to the northern end of the Pulicat lake was once covered with mangroves. Project Alaiyathi is centered around the community based restoration and management of this lost mangrove Ecosystem.

Project Alaiyathi is working along with the local fisherfolk towards restoring, strengthening and conserving the community managed ‘ Million Mangroves Initiative.

The aim is to plant and sustain a million mangroves on the banks of the Kosasthalyar River, Buckingham Canal and Pulicat Lake.

• Mangroves are amongst the best sources of carbon sequestration. Mangroves sequester carbon far more effectively (up to 100 times faster) and 5 times more per hectare than terrestrial forests.
• This region acts as one of the main drains for Chennai City’s flood waters. Mangroves can reduce upto 66% of wave height, reducing soil erosion and the intensity of flooding during heavy monsoon years.
• Mature mangroves show high resilience to strong winds and hence make excellent windbreakers. They will improve climate resilience in this area, where disruptive climate events like cyclones and flooding are becoming more frequent.
• Increased numbers of tiger prawns, mud crabs, white prawns, mudskippers, and sea bass will rise, improving the health of the aquatic ecosystems and also catch for the marginalized subsistence fisher folk.
• Mangroves are safe aviaries, and one can expect a rise in local avian life.