The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department have developed a new 25-hectare mangrove patch at Pichavaram in Cuddalore district at a cost of ₹1.97 crore. More than 75,000 Rhizophora apiculata saplings, raised in a Forest Department nursery, were planted using a modified fish-bone method. The plantation compensates for mangrove loss from widening the East Coast Road and NH-332A, though actual damage at Marakkanam Estuary was limited to 0.15 hectares and just over 100 trees. Vandalmunai, MGR Thittu and Kottumunai were chosen after suitable land was unavailable in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts.