Pandanus trees a natural barrier during floods: Experts

The trees are present in large numbers on the Rameswaram coast and had prevented damage during the 1964 cyclone, according to experts.

Pandanus is a tropical and sub-tropical tree distributed along the coastline of India and other countries that have a prominent coastal region.

They resemble palm trees and act like mangroves in mitigating natural disasters.

Speaking to DT Next, Rajaguru, a historian and a researcher from Ramanathapuram, said the Rameswaram coastal region is known for its biological diversity and one of the key species that helps maintain the diversity is Pandanus.

There are two types of Pandanus trees — the male and the female. Flowering happens only among males and the flower is used for prayer.

However, the key use of Pandanus is the protection of coastal areas from disasters.

They have a strong root system that grows deep into the soil and it provides the necessary grip. Because of the grip, it protects the coastal areas from calamities such as cyclones, sea erosion, tsunami and so on.

In 1964, when the cyclone struck Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram and Pamban, the effect was felt only in Dhanushkodi as it had no Pandanus trees. In Pamban and Rameswaram, the trees provided the necessary protection to fishermen and coastal hamlets, said Rajaguru.

Murugesan (55), a resident of Rameswaram, said Pandanus trees are found only in coastal areas but now without knowing their value they are being destroyed in large numbers.

Even officials are not aware of the importance of the trees and the government should carry out a scientific study of Pandanus trees and take steps to re-plant them, said Murugesan.