Cyclone Dana’s landfall in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika region may be mitigated by the area’s mangrove forests
OdishaPlus Bureau
The trajectory of Cyclone Dana is now established. It is anticipated to make landfall along the coasts of northern Odisha and West Bengal, specifically between Puri and Sagar Island, in proximity to Bhitarkanika and Dhamra. This situation has prompted some optimistic perspectives regarding the area.
Experts suggest that the landfall near Bhitarkanika may serve as an unexpected advantage, given that the region is renowned for its extensive mangrove forests, which function as a natural barrier against strong winds.
Gopinath S. Yadav, the Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer, stated, “The mangrove forest of Bhitarkanika serves as a biological shield, protecting the cyclone. We have equipped our staff with nets and other tools to assist in capturing crocodiles and other wildlife in the event of distress signals”.
PCCF Susanta Nanda remarked, “The landfall of Cyclone Dana near Bhitarkanika is fortuitous, as the mangrove forest spans 200 square kilometers, effectively mitigating wind speeds and preventing tidal surges”.
To ensure safety, five teams have been established for road clearance, along with two rescue teams to address any crocodiles that may wander into populated areas. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been disseminated among the DFOs and wireless communication systems along with solar lights are prepared for emergencies.
“Wildlife is generally resilient to windy conditions; deers can seek higher ground and crocodiles may venture out during high tides. To address this, we have organized two teams. While adult birds are not at significant risk, their young ones may be vulnerable to strong winds,” Nanda added.
