Preserving biodiversity Okhamandal (Gujarat)

Situated at the tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, Okhamandal in Gujarat is bounded by the Gulf of Kutch to the north and the Arabian Sea to the west and the south. The coastline is dotted with bays, beaches, cays, etc. A crescent beach and a gently sloping plateau clothed in dense vegetation offer an alluring backdrop. The Momai cove on the mainland is an angler’s delight. The surrounding wilderness is home to interesting bird species, porcupines, jackals, hyenas, small cats and wild boar. This forest abounds in medicinal herbs and plants.

Further north are the Boria and the Gugar reefs, which harbour a profusion of marine flora and fauna. Sponges, hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sea lilies, mollusks, algae, etc are seen here. The heronries on the Maan-merodi and Leefa islands are regular nesting sites for egrets, herons, ibises and
painted storks. Dugongs (sea cows) have been sighted here.

Tata Chemicals, whose inorganic chemicals complex is located at Mithapur in Okhamandal, is involved in a variety of programmes aimed at protecting and conserving the environment of the region.

The company’s biodiversity reserve plantation project, implemented with the support of employee volunteers, seeks to preserve indigenous vegetation. Under the project, 90 acres were afforested with 12 native species of vegetation. About 15 acres are added to this plantation every year. The objective is to create a botanical reserve that will be a stronghold for endangered plant species and a seed bank for the mass regeneration of these species.

Tata Chemicals has also created a nesting platform for Caspian terns at its Charakala salt works. This platform works well in attracting hordes of migratory aquatic birds, particularly during the winter season.

The coast at Mithapur is perfect for coral reef walks. It boasts an abundance of marine life, besides a colony of rare bonellias. At the beaches at Shivrajpur and Khanjani, visitors can catch more than a glimpse of Olive Ridley and green sea turtles.

Other environmental efforts of the company in the Okhamandal region include supporting NGOs such as the Gujarat Nature Conservation Society and the World Wide Fund for Nature (India).

The region has been able to preserve its natural beauty — with a little help from Tata Chemicals.

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