Critical plant species lose ground along Bengal’s coasts

12 May 2013

biswabrata goswami
MIDNAPORE, 12 MAY:   Coastal plants, which play an immense role in dune stabilisation and restoration, are on the verge of extinct due to rampant construction of hotels, roads, human establishments and vegetation in areas like Mandarmoni, Tajpur and New Digha in West Bengal and adjacent sea-beaches in Odisha.
A research survey conducted by a group of teachers of Vidysagar University and Lady Brabourne College reveals that these coastal flora which are under tremendous anthropogenic pressure due to rapid elimination of sand dunes and associated vegetation are gradually diminishing. Such sensitive and useful ecosystems need immediate restoration, conservation and sustainable use of the phyto-resources, the survey reported.
Dr Amal Kumar Mondol, reader of Botany and Forestry department, VU who led the research survey along with other teachers like Tamal Chakraborty and Sanjukta Parui said: “The survey reveals that the diversity of flora is increasing gradually from seaward to inner strand zone. The pioneer species like Launaea sermentosa, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Spinifex littoreus and Hydrophylax maritime are excellent sand binders and protect the costal dune system from erosion (wind and water). Some sand dune species are having medicinal properties.”
He said people use these plants for treating several diseases. The stem and leaves of Sesuvium portulacastrum are eaten after boiling to remove excess salt from the body. Leaf and twig decoction of Tamarix troupii is used for sloughing ulcers and its infusion as a gargle for sore throat. Juice of whole plant of Ageratum conyzoides, Casuarina equisetifolia bark, Thespesia populnea root and Hemidesmus indicus root are useful in curing dysentery and diarrhoea. Flowers of Pandanus fascicularis are used for making perfumes. Curry of Alternanthera sessilis and salads of Salvadora persica leaves are also used.
“All the 60 species of sand dune vegetation of traditional and ethno-botanical interest are recorded after critical screening with the available literature. These are recommended for the further phytochemical investigations, which might result in the discovery of new dunes for human welfare”, Dr Mondol notes in the report which has already been submitted before the CSIR, New Delhi.
The report also revealed that rapid expansion of invasive species like Calotropis gigantean and Lantana camara is leading to the loss of native species like Ipomoea pes-caprae and others. “The most severe damaging cause of dune vegetation in these areas is the anthropogenic activities. In Mandarmoni and adjoining areas of West Bengal the large scale urban development carried out on the fore dunes during the tourist boom causing the destruction of many dune ecosystems,” the report highlighted. Dr Mondol said: “Among the methods to stabilize the population of dune vegetation the method of re-vegetation is the best alternative as it is cheap and self sustaining. The plantation of some tree species is effective in trapping sand and decreases the wind velocity but the plantation of the exotic species Casuarina in this area throughout the coastal line has yet not been too effective from our point of view. Legal protection of the plant species along the coastal line is very necessary. Development of tourism is also required to fulfil the need of civilization but the constructions must be planned apart from the dune vegetation keeping distance sufficiently from the sea shore. Raising public awareness and provision of economic support to the local communities for the restoration and protection of the flora and the fauna of the coastal line is necessary.”