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Current Affairs 2023

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary - UPSC Current Affairs

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located 15 km from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was established in 1978 to conserve the mangrove vegetation in the estuary area of 235 sq km. The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species and plays a critical role in protecting coastal communities, providing habitats for wildlife, and supporting marine life.

Jan 12, 2023

2 min read

Located just 15 km from the city of Kakinada on the Kakinada Yanam Road, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural oasis in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the government in 1978, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the mangrove vegetation that thrives in the area's 235 sq km estuary. These salt-tolerant forests, which typically grow between high water level and sea level along sheltered shores, estuaries, and lagoons, are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastal communities from storms and high tides, providing habitats for wildlife, and supporting marine life. In Andhra Pradesh, mangroves cover an area of 582 sq km, accounting for 9% of the state's forest area and 2% of its total landmass.

To conserve, protect and develop the existing mangroves, the sanctuary has adopted several conservation strategies. This includes bringing mangroves under the network of protected areas, demarcation of mangrove sanctuaries, and intensified watch and ward measures. The sanctuary also engages in large scale afforestation by planting seedlings grown in nurseries, with the help of funds from the World Bank and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

The sanctuary also works closely with local communities through eco-development committees, providing alternative livelihood options to reduce dependency on mangroves and enhance the livelihood of the coastal community. A nature study center is also set up to educate the local population about the importance of the fragile ecosystem and the need for its protection.

The sanctuary is easily accessible from Kakinada and can be visited by boat or on foot from December to June. Visitors can reach the sanctuary by traveling to nearby villages such as Chollangi, Matlapalem, or Ramannapalem, which are located on the Kakinada to Yanam Road about 10-15 km from Kakinada.