Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Ex-Youth Leaders Fight to Protect Mangroves in Kerala
Two former leaders from the Youth Congress, Manjukuttan and Sumanjith, are working hard to save mangrove forests in Kerala.
They teach people that mangroves are super important for protecting the coast, helping plants and animals, and cleaning the air.
They even fought their own political party to stop them from building on the mangroves!
They won the fight and now they encourage people to plant more mangrove trees.
They also work to keep the environment clean.
Former Youth Congress leaders G. Manjukuttan and Sumanjith Misha campaign to protect Kerala's mangrove forests.
They educate people on the importance of mangroves for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
Their campaign involved a legal battle against the Karunagappally municipality, which they won.
The duo launched the 'Pallikal Challenge' and advocate for a plastic-free environment.
Manjukuttan received the Vanamitra Award for environmental work and wrote a book about his experiences.
- Who
- Former Youth Congress leaders G. Manjukuttan and Sumanjith Misha.
- What
- Campaign to protect Kerala's mangrove forests and promote environmental awareness.
- When
- The campaign has been ongoing for 13 years.
- Where
- Kerala, specifically the Pallikal mangrove forest and the Sunderbans in Bengal.
- Why
- To protect the coast, support biodiversity, help with carbon sequestration, and promote a plastic-free environment.
Environmental Advocates
Developers/Municipality
Importance of Mangrove Forests
Environmental Advocates
Mangrove forests are crucial for environmental protection and biodiversity.
Developers/Municipality
Building projects are more important.
- Leaders
- G. Manjukuttan and Sumanjith Misha
- Focus
- Mangrove forest protection
- Location
- Karunagappally, Kerala
- Award
- Vanamitra Award (Manjukuttan)
- Campaign Name
- For us, for soil
- Related initiative
- Pallikal Challenge