7,000 acres of mangroves restored, 4,000 more by 2026-2027: Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan. File | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan said that nearly 7,000 acres of mangroves have been restored and developed across the state in the last two years. Another 4,000 acres will be taken up for restoration in 2026-27, he said in a report on X on Sunday (July 26, 2026), the International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.

He said mangroves are the guardians of the coast and the lungs of the coast and one of nature’s greatest gifts to mankind. Along the state’s 1,053 km coastline, these ecosystems serve as the first line of defense, protecting coastal life and livelihoods from cyclones, storm surges, marine erosion and the increasing impact of climate change.

Mangroves are the guardians of our coast, the lungs of our coast and one of nature’s greatest gifts to mankind.

Along Andhra Pradesh’s 1,053 km coastline, these extraordinary ecosystems serve as our first line of defense, protecting coastal life and livelihoods from… pic.twitter.com/c1MDEDZWjm

— Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) July 26, 2026

Mangroves nurture rich marine biodiversity, sustain coastal communities and capture vast stores of blue carbon, making them indispensable for a resilient future, he said. He added that protecting mangroves is not only about preserving forests, but about protecting lives, enhancing ecological security, securing livelihoods and preserving the natural wealth that future generations deserve.

The state government’s commitment to mangrove conservation has translated into action through the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh, which reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s natural shield against climate change and protect coastal communities, he said. The 4,000-acre target for 2026-27 was set to build on the recovery of the past two years, he said.

“Let’s protect the forests that protect us. Every mangrove restored strengthens our coastline. Every mangrove preserved secures lives, livelihoods and the future,” said Mr. Pawan Kalyan.

Published – 26 Jul 2026 12:10 PM IST