Because of the salinity ingress, soil has been severely degraded, and there has been complete devastation of mangroves. Weeds and other wild plants have invaded the region, while useful vegetation has shrunk. The socio-economic fabric of the region has been disrupted, as agriculture has suffered.

The changes in land-locked Padra taluka -- which borders coastal Jambusar -- are an index of how much inroad salinity has made. According to a study by Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), till 1960 salinity in Padra used to be nil. But in the last decade salinity has taken its toll of some 15 square km. And today, the affected area is well around 100 square km.

In Anand district, more than 101 villages, nearly 1,09,850 ha, have been severely affected by deep and fast advancing salinity. Over 11 coastal villages have lost mangrove cover. And in Jambusar taluka, more than 17 villages, covering over 3,750 ha, have been badly affected.

What has caused the salinity ingress? Uncertain rain, strong sea winds, recurring drought, tree-felling, erosion of soil, and overuse of ground water has allowed seepage of sea water into the ground.

The result? Vast tracts of land lie waste. Drinking water is scarce. Agricultural land is going arid. Fishery has suffered. The brackish ground water has also affected dairy farming.

Along the Mahi, near Jaspur and Navapur villages, there is none in sight. ``There is nothing left to see,'' says Panjabhai who had strayed into the ravines of the Mahi and the wasteland along with his cattle in search of fodder.

Khumansinh Rajput, an old-timer, however, remembers, ``There used to be greenery all around, this was a forest -- trees, bushes, shrubs.'' An area MLA Jeetsinh Parmar and prominent agriculturist Rishi Raj complain that there is little help they get.

GEC member-secretary C.J. Jose says the commission has finalised plans to regenerate mangroves and vegetation in the area. ``Our aim is to increase the green cover, slowing down the process of salinisation of land and water resources and to top all, build participatory management with the help of villagers, government departments and the NGOs,'' he said.

For this, GEC plans to involve panchayats, government departments, and other social organisations.