The Mysterious Mangroves of Bhitarkanika

The Mysterious Mangroves of Bhitarkanika is a children’s book authored by Katie Bagli, featuring illustrations by Priya Kurian. It was published in 2024 under the Wetlands Management of Biodiversity and Climate Protection project managed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German federal agency working in the field of international development, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Through the story of two young children, Runu and Jehan, the book allows the readers to explore the world of the Bhitarkanika mangroves of Odisha. As they embark on multiple adventures, the readers are educated about the flora and fauna of the wetlands in the delta of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. This book is available in English as well as in Odia.

The book begins with Jehan and his father, a scientist appointed by the government to study mangroves, arriving in Dangmal [Dangamal] village in Odisha’s Kendrapada district. Here, Jehan meets and makes friends with Runu, a girl from the village who is similar to him in age and who acts as his guide for the day. As the pair go exploring, Runu introduces Jehan to the flora and fauna of the area including the mongooses, grey mangroves, pandanus, mudskippers and crabs. The following day is filled with more excitement as the group enjoys a boat ride into the mangroves where Runu finds herself in a life-threatening situation, while attempting to rescue a crocodile egg. 

Later in the trip, the group is treated to a visit to Gahirmatha, the nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles, and a heronry where they witness the beauty of countless migratory birds. Jehan and his father conclude their trip by spending their last day among the villagers, listening to some remarkable stories of their interactions with crocodiles, while also gaining insights into the challenges faced by them.

Across six chapters each describing the adventures of the day, the book provides insights about numerous animals and plants in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika region. The author incorporates various activity sections in the book as a way of fostering curiosity for the natural world among her young readers. The book not only sensitises readers to the importance of conservation of the vegetation and wildlife in the forests of Bhitarkanika, but also does it in a way that makes the experience enjoyable and inspiring to children.

Focus by Sakshi Purandare.