Srikakulam Leads In AP’s Coastal Protection Great Green Wall Project

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam circle, which includes the coastal districts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam; is at the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious Great Green Wall project.The circle’s coastline – stretching to 344 kilometres – is among the most vulnerable to cyclones and tsunamis in India. The Great Green Wall project aims to create a bio-shield along the coast to protect communities, infrastructure, and industries from recurring natural disasters.As per data, Srikakulam district has the longest coastline in Visakhapatnam circle, measuring 193 kilometres. Out of the 31 shelterbelt blocks identified in the district, 14 are protected under various sections of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, covering a total of 5,819 hectares. All the seven shelterbelt blocks in Vizianagaram district, with a shorter coastline of 28 kilometres, are protected, although the area they cover is a modest 69.5 hectares. Visakhapatnam district, with 70 kilometres of coastline, has two of its four shelterbelt blocks protected, encompassing 474 hectares. Anakapalli has 53 kilometres of coastline. Only one of its 10 blocks, covering 855 hectares, is protected.In all, 24 blocks in the Visakhapatnam circle are legally notified under the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act as protected. 28 blocks remain free, together spanning an area of 7,219 hectares.Significantly, mangrove areas in Visakhapatnam are under the control of Indian Navy and Naval Dockyard. In contrast, some mangrove stretches in Srikakulam are managed by the Revenue department.Chief conservator of forests for Visakhapatnam B.M. Diwan Mydeen told Deccan Chronicle that the ongoing Great Green Wall project involves planting of wind-breaking trees. During the 2025 planting season, approximately 260,000 Palmyra nut trees had been planted across the four districts in the Visakhapatnam circle.Srikakulam led the effort, planting 110,000 Palmyra trees, while Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram planted 50,000 trees each. These plantations collectively cover 312 hectares, reinforcing the natural defence system along the shoreline.Looking ahead, the 2026–27 planting season will see further expansion of plantations across the four districts under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme. Gaps within the treelines will be covered with casuarina and Palmyra trees over a total of 575 hectares. Srikakulam will again take the largest share, covering 350 hectares, while Visakhapatnam will raise plantations over 100 hectares, Vizianagaram 65 hectares, and Anakapalli 60 hectares, thereby increasing the bio-shield.Mydeen stated, “The Great Green Wall project is more than just an environmental initiative, it is a community-oriented programme that combines ecological restoration with social security. By expanding shelterbelt plantations, increasing mangrove cover, stabilising sand reaches, and promoting community plantations, the project aims to enhance resilience against recurring disasters.”For Andhra Pradesh, which has the second-longest coastline in India, the Great Green Wall initiative represents a crucial step toward protecting its residents and ensuring sustainable coastal development. “By constructing a resilient green barrier, AP seeks to secure its coastline and ensure long-term ecological stability,” the Chief Conservator of Forests added.



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