Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his interaction in "Mann Ki Baat" on Sunday appreciated the efforts of forest officials in the Gulf of Mannar and residents of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu for holding a palmyra seed plantation drive in the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve. As part of the drive, the members planted palmyra seeds to help prevent soil erosion and to stop Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve from getting submerged. 


According to a report on The New Indian Express, Prime Minister Modi in the Mann Ki Baat talk appreciated the efforts to plant palmyra seeds on a fragile ecosystem like the Gulf of Mannar which is facing threats from factors including soil erosion and climate change. 


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The PM said, as two islands have already faced submersion the officials are taking all-natural and scientific initiatives to protect the islands.


The resident of Thoothukudi and experts also have come out with a plan to plant palmyra seeds, a natural way to tackle the threat and to prevent soil erosion. The palmyra trees are also resistant to storms and cyclones so the whole drive has brought back the hope of saving the island, the PM said.


Modi also added, nature poses a danger to us only if we disturb the balance or damage it. 


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Following this, forest Ranger Raghuvaran talking to The New Indian Express acknowledged the efforts of the district and forest authorities along with the functioning of Eco-Development Committee working coastal regions.