Four final-year B.Sc. students from Dr. Lankapalli Bullaya College have been selected for a prestigious 10-day fellowship tour in the United States for their innovative project on restoring the city’s coastal ecosystem through seagrass cultivation. The students—T. Harshitha, A. Tejaambik, M. Ashwini, and J. Karthikeya Narayana—developed the project as part of the Climate Tank Accelerator competition, which included participants from five South Asian countries.
Their project, titled “Pioneering Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Restoring Seagrass Meadows in Visakhapatnam Coast,” emphasizes the ecological significance of seagrass. The initiative has earned them a $1,000 reward and the honor of representing India on an international platform. Faculty guide B. Madhavi, along with support from the college management, played a key role in mentoring the students.
Restoring Coastal Ecosystems
Seagrasses, often called the “lungs of the ocean,” are vital blue carbon ecosystems known for absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, stabilizing coastal sediments, and supporting marine biodiversity. Recognizing their importance, the team focused on restoring seagrass meadows along the Visakhapatnam coast.
The students selected two seagrass species, Halophila Ovalis and Halodule Pinifolia, from the Chilika Lagoon in Odisha, which accounts for 33% of India’s seagrass area according to the Chilika Development Authority’s annual survey. These species were successfully transplanted to Mangamaripeta Beach between Vizag and Bheemili.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action
The project went beyond restoration, involving community awareness campaigns, art exhibitions, and educational events to highlight the ecological role of seagrass. “Our art exhibition combined creativity and science to educate the public about the importance of seagrass ecosystems,” said Ms. Ashwini.
The team also presented their findings at the National Conference on Recent Advances in Biological Sciences in Hyderabad, garnering recognition within the scientific community.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather, tight academic schedules, and examinations, the team remained resolute in their mission. “Winning this competition and representing India internationally is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our team,” said team leader Ms. Harshitha during an interaction with The Hindu.
Support and Recognition
Faculty guide Ms. Madhavi highlighted the unwavering support from the U.S. competition organizers, college correspondent G. Madhu Kumar, and Principal G.S.K. Chakravarty. Efforts are underway to bring the students’ achievement to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Mann Ki Baat program.
This accomplishment not only underscores the potential of young minds in addressing environmental challenges but also brings global attention to the importance of conserving blue carbon ecosystems.
