Schemes For Restoration of Mangrove Forest in India

Context: 

This article is focused on Mangrove forests and the government action regarding their restoration. 

Restoration of Mangrove Forest in India

Mangrove Forest in India

About Mangrove Forests

  • Mangrove forests are also known as mangrove swamps, mangrove thickets or mangals.
  • These forests grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes. 
  • Freezing temperatures are not ideal temperatures for mangroves. 
  • It covers around 0.1 % of the planet’s surface. 
  • According to the 2021 forest survey report, the total mangrove cover was 4,992 square kilometres in India. 
  •  Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. 
    • This forest is situated in the vast delta of the Bay of Bengal.

Unique Characteristics of Mangrove Forest

  • This forest is found near the coastlines at the intersection of land and sea.
  • The mangrove plants grow in waterlogged soil.
    • These soil absorb gases directly from the atmosphere through pneumatophores.
  • These trees can bear saline water. 
  • It has aerial roots that help these trees to adapt in harsh environments too. 

Threats Faced by Mangrove Forest in India

  • Rapid urbanisation and developmental activities have caused destruction of mangrove habitat.
  • Overexploitation of the mangrove resources can deplete this ecosystem.
  • Illegal activities of mangrove forests have also negatively impacted its biodiversity.
  • Climate change such as rise in sea level is also a major hurdle as it can submerge the mangrove area. 
  • Release of toxic substances in mangrove areas from industrial units is very harmful for plants as well as its water quality. 

Significance Mangrove Forest In India

Mangrove Forest in India

  • This forest is significant as it has more capacity to store carbon.
  • It can provide breeding grounds for marine biodiversity and support global fish populations.

Distribution of Mangrove Forest In India

  • In India, Odisha, Maharashtra and Karnataka are ranked high in mangrove coverage. 
    • West Bengal,  Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have also covered significant mangrove cover. 
State/UT Very Dense Mangrove Moderately Dense Mangrove Open Mangrove Total Change with respect to ISFR 2019
Andhra Pradesh 0 213 192 405 1
Goa 0 21 6 27 1
Gujarat 0 2 11 13 3
Karnataka 0 2 11 13 3
Kerala 0 5 4 9 0
Maharashtra 0 90 234 324 4
Odisha 81 94 84 259 8
Tamil Nadu 1 27 17 45 0
West Bengal 994 692 428 2,114 2
A&N Islands 399 168 49 616 0
D&NH and Daman & Diu 0 0 3 3 0
Puducherry 0 0 2 2 0
Total 1475 1481 2036 4992 17

Source: IFSR Report 2021 

Reasons For Restoration of Mangroves

  • The restoration of mangrove forests can protect communities residing in coastal areas. 
  • Every year, mangroves prevent $65 billion in property damage. 
    • It also reduces flood risks for 15 million people
  • In addition to the above, mangroves are very helpful in addressing global warming and other climatic events. 

MISHTI Scheme

  • MISHTI refers to the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes.
  • This scheme was launched in 2023. 
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change launched this scheme. 
  • Under the MISHTI scheme, the government is focused on coastline and salt-pan lands for plantation.
  • It aims to restore or replant mangroves, covering about 540 square kilometres.
  • This project will span over five years starting from 2023-24 onwards and will be carried out across 9 States and 3 Union Territories.

Challenges in Restoration of Mangrove Forest In India

  • Due to climate change, sea level increase, and land use variations,  the risk of India’s mangrove forests vulnerability has increased. 
    • Kerala lost around 95% of its mangrove forests in the last 3 decades. 
  • The conversion of habitat to agriculture, tourism, aquaculture, and urban development has also contributed significantly to the loss of mangrove forests. 
  • Inadequate funding is also a major hurdle as restoration projects need large funding and long-term commitment. 

News Source: PIB

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024-2025

 

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