Mangalavanam 2022
I came to know about Mangalavanam only after 1997. In spite of having been very familiar with high court area as a school boy, this green patch of Kochi was hardly known to me, nor by any school boy of those times, I suspect. Whereas, the neighbouring Bolgatty palace was at least known to most of us - though visiting that spot was also not very popular in those days.
Relieved to see it still surviving, green and better guarded.
A great heritage with abundance of avian visitors (around 70 according to surveys) and a fairly good assemblage of trees. They were initially famous for the magroves, and even the name 'mangalavanam' is said to have some association with that. In 2004, the environment awakening led to it being declared a protected area. It is just about 8 acres of land. Though the mangroves are still there, to my layman's eyes the area is dominated by rain trees. Some 15 years ago, when I accompanied a students' group, I observed that two giant trees were almost dead, thanks to the thousands of bats hanging on to them. (This time, I could not observe them).
The tiny forest patch is also a safe haven for almost 50 spider species and over 15 butterliy species. The urban jungle is definitely impacting it, though the area still remains protected. It is apparently heckled by the government institutions like CMFRI, Fisheries institution, Bar Association, High Court etc. Government could have reduced the impact by making the boundaries of these institutions more tuned to the eco-system of Mangalavanam, by promoting bio-fencing and controlling waste generation.
Fortunately, the channel for the tidal water to enter and exit appeared clear. Mikania micranta and Thunbergia grandiflora appeared to thrive on the Southern marshy boundary, seemed to gradually overpower a section of the other wise domineering rain trees (Albizia lebbek). There have been occasional efforts to enrich the biodiversity by tree planting and around the forest office bulding several varieties of trees have been planted.
Some of the birds are presented on panels with their details, and a few trees are also named.
A get together was in progress and their entertainment session with karoke singing was on, loud engouh to be heard beyond the gates of the forest patch. I wonder how far such gatherings could be of help for the protection of the biodiversity of this green patch oft referred to as the 'lung of Kochi'.
An building of electric department of the railway is stil visible from beyoind the fence on the western side. I felt that this could have been cleard and protected as a heritage building and giving access to the visitors with due caution.
I am afraid that this remains a green blessing still oblivious to majority Kochiites. I would consider this a must visit spot for all school students of Kochi (guided) and for life science and environmne science students of the universities in this region. From High court bus stand it is just about 5 minutes walk. For a detailed visit, it may take 2 hours, whereas specialisists could spend days there observing and learning.
Together with Mangalavanam, Ponnakudam, Thevakkal; the forest patch protected by Meena Menon at Paravur and the larger patch of Iringol kaavu are the silver lines on the otherwise bleak horizon of biodiversity protection of the District of Kochi. I am on the look out for more of such models, and deeply desirous of creating one of my own.
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