When most young people are chasing urban dreams, Soumya Ranjan Biswal has chosen the fragile coastlines of Odisha as his workplace and mission. A UN-India YuWaah Advocate, Limca Record Holder, and International Exchange Alumnus, Soumya has dedicated himself to protecting two of nature’s greatest allies of the coastal ecosystem—sea turtles and mangroves.
Hailing from coastal Odisha, he grew up witnessing the fury of cyclones that regularly batter the state. He also saw how mangrove belts acted as natural shields, reducing the impact of tidal surges and saving both human lives and marine biodiversity. This experience shaped his mission: “Million Mangroves by 2030.”
Through this campaign, Soumya envisions planting one million mangrove saplings by the end of this decade, creating living green walls that will stand as bio-shields against climate change, cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. His work has already earned national and international recognition, including the Times Now Amazing Indians Award by the Hon’ble Vice President of India.
Why Mangroves Matter
Mangroves are not just trees; they are lifelines. They:
- Protect coastal communities from cyclones and tidal waves
- Prevent erosion and safeguard agricultural lands
- Provide breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and marine species
- Play a vital role in climate change mitigation by storing up to 10 times more carbon than terrestrial forests
In Odisha, where cyclones like Fani, Amphan, and Yaas have left deep scars, mangroves are the first line of defense.
The Current Mission – 45,000 Mangroves
Soumya’s immediate goal is to plant 45,000 mangrove saplings in vulnerable stretches of Odisha’s coast. The cost is minimal—just ₹20 per sapling—yet the impact is enormous. For less than the cost of a cup of tea, one can contribute to safeguarding India’s coastline for generations.
A Call to Odisha’s Corporates
At a time when CSR funds often go to urban-centric projects, Soumya’s initiative provides corporates operating in Odisha—like Tata Steel, JSW, Vedanta, NALCO, MCL, IOCL, and Paradip Port Trust—a unique opportunity to create a green legacy.
- ₹20,000 can plant 1,000 mangroves
- ₹2,00,000 can plant 10,000 mangroves
- ₹9,00,000 can help achieve the entire 45,000-sapling forest
(Soumya’s mission is to plant 1 million Mangroves)
Not only Corporates, we appeal private individuals to donate for the cause as well.
The plantation will not only protect Odisha’s coasts but also stand as a living monument of the company’s contribution to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Corporates can also involve their employees in plantation drives, strengthening both community engagement and environmental responsibility.
A Legacy for the Future
Soumya Ranjan Biswal’s work is a reminder that true change begins at the grassroots. By protecting sea turtles, reviving mangrove belts, and inspiring communities, he is shaping a safer and greener future for Odisha and for India.
Now, it is time for all of us—citizens, government, and corporates—to stand with him. Supporting his mission means not just planting trees, but planting hope, resilience, and life itself on our vulnerable coasts.
