Bhitarkanika fest showcases benefits of mangrove trees

Bhitarkanika National Park hosted a Mangrove Festival, highlighting the vital role of these forests as natural barriers against cyclones, as demonstrated during the 1999 super cyclone. Officials emphasized the ongoing demolition of illegal shrimp farms and the planting of new mangrove saplings to restore degraded areas. The festival underscored the ecological and economic importance of mangroves for coastal communities.