Mangrove Sites in India: Location, Importance, Biodiversity, and Conservation Efforts

PWOnlyIAS March 04, 2024 03:41 722 0

Mangrove Sites in India, coastal plant growth in tropical regions, play a vital role in safeguarding coastlines. India is home to 3% of South Asia's mangrove cover.

Mangrove Sites in India: Location, Importance, Biodiversity, and Conservation Efforts

Introduction

Mangroves are a type of coastal plant growth found along sheltered tropical and subtropical coastlines. These shrubs and trees thrive in areas with high water levels during spring tides and demonstrate a remarkable ability to withstand saline water.

Survival Essentials: Conditions for Mangrove Thriving in Indian Coastal

India is home to about 3 percent of the total mangrove cover in South Asia, with the Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha being the richest in diversity.

Salinity Tolerance:
- Mangroves are uniquely adapted to thrive in saline environments, with some species tolerating salt stages of as much as 90-1000 (ppt), which is drastically higher than seawater (around 35 ppt).
- For instance, the crimson mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) can alter its internal salt degrees by way of actively accepting salt at the foundation degree, permitting it to live on in extraordinarily saline situations.
Brackish Water:
- This brackish water, with a salinity variety of approximately 5 to 25 ppt, presents the proper balance for mangrove boom.
- In regions with High salinity levels, mangroves can shape giant forests along coastlines, which include the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India.
Silt Deposition:
- Mangroves rely on sediment deposition for their growth and balance. Sediments carried via rivers and tidal currents acquire round mangrove roots, supplying important vitamins and supporting root anchorage.
- Studies have proven that mangrove forests can acquire sediment at quotes exceeding 1 cm in keeping within 12 months, contributing to soil formation and atmosphere resilience.
Adequate Oxygen:
- Mangroves have evolved particular diversifications to cope with waterlogged soils and low oxygen degrees.
- Specialized systems like pneumatophores, which are aerial roots that extend above the waterline, facilitate oxygen trade, allowing mangrove roots to get entry to oxygen.
Warm Temperatures:
- Mangroves are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical areas, in which temperatures continue to be warm all through the year.
- The most desirable temperature range for mangrove increase is between 20°C and 35°C.
- Frost species, consisting of Avicennia and Rhizophora, are confined to frost-loose coastal regions, limiting their distribution in colder areas.
Sufficient Sunlight:
- Mangroves require adequate daylight for photosynthesis, which is essential for his or her increase and productivity.
- While mangrove canopies offer color, gaps inside the cover permit sunlight to attain the wooded area floor, assisting the growth of understory flowers and presenting a habitat for diverse species.
Adaptations to Flooding:
- Mangroves have advanced various adaptations to cope with tidal flooding and waterlogging.
- Species like Rhizophora and Avicennia have pneumatophores that facilitate air exchange, even as others, like Sonneratia and Bruguiera, develop knee-like structures or aerial roots to aid the tree and keep stability in saturated soils.

Types of Roots: Mangrove Mastery in Indian Coasts

They have the ability to survive in waterlogged and anoxic soil, and to tolerate brackish water with the adaptations.

Prop Roots: Extend from the trunk or branches vertically downwards into the soil, supplying stability and anchorage inside the muddy substrate.
Stilt Roots: Arise from decreased parts of the trunk or branches and increase diagonally downwards and outwards, supplying extra guidance in risky soils and for the duration of tidal movements.
Pneumatophores: Vertical extensions of the foundation device that emerge above the soil floor and facilitate gasoline alternate, permitting the mangroves to continue to exist in waterlogged, anaerobic sediments.
Cable Roots: Horizontal roots that run along the soil surface, aiding in erosion manipulation and sediment stabilization, preventing the lack of coastal land.
Feeder Roots: Fine, hair-like roots that take in vitamins and water from the soil, crucial for the increase and sustenance of the mangrove timber.

Mangrove Sites in India

Global Mangrove Landscape: Insights from FRA 2020

As per Global Forest Resource Assessment, 2020 (FRA 2020), world over, 113 countries have Mangrove forests covering an estimated 14.79 million hectares. The largest Mangrove area is reported in Asia (5.55 mh), followed by Africa (3.24 mh), North and Central America (2.57 mh) and South America (2.13 mh).

Mangrove Hotspot: 40 percent of the total area of Mangroves was reported to be in just four countries: Indonesia (19 %), Brazil (9 %), Nigeria (7 % )and Mexico (6%).

Mangrove Sites in India

Distribution of Mangroves in India state wise

Mangroves are found in coastal areas featured by tidal waters, brackish water, and saline/salty soils. India is home to diverse mangrove habitats, ranging from the Sundarbans in the east to the Gulf of Kutch in the west. These mangrove forests provide crucial ecological services and support various species of plants and anima and aquatic species, making them Important ecosystems for coastal communities and biodiversity conservation efforts.

State	Mangrove Sites	Area Covered (sq km)
West Bengal	Sundarbans	4,260
Odisha	Bhitarkanika	672
Andhra Pradesh	Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Godavari Wildlife Sanctuary	303
Gujarat	Gulf of Kutch, Kori Creek, Jamnagar	1,139
Maharashtra	Ratnagiri	158
Goa	Cumbarjua Canal	2
Tamil Nadu	Pichavaram, Muthupet	304
Karnataka	Aghanashini, Sharavathi Delta	170
Kerala	Vembanad, Kannur	248
Andaman & Nicobar	North, Middle, and South Andaman, Ritchie’s Archipelago	8,249
Mizoram	Saiha, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary	10

Map of Mangrove Sites in India: Distribution of Mangroves

Mangrove Sites in India

Importance of Mangrove Sites

Bhitarkanika in Orissa

Bhitarkanika in Orissa is the second-largest mangrove forest in the Indian subcontinent, housing numerous typical mangrove species.

Krishna-Godavari

Mangrove swamps thrive in the intertidal mudflats of the Krishna-Godavari deltaic regions in Andhra Pradesh.
Pichavaram and Vedaranyam are experiencing degradation due to the development of salt pans and aquaculture ponds.

Western coast of India

On the western coast of India, mangrove forests along the intertidal zone of estuaries and creeks in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka are primarily scrubby and deteriorated. Kerala’s coastline has sparse mangrove forest vegetation.
In Gujarat, mangroves are mainly found in the Kori Creek and the Gulf of Kutch, ranging in size from bushy clusters of dwarf mangroves to taller clusters in the Sunderbans.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands harbour small tidal estuaries and lagoons supporting dense, diverse mangrove forests.

Sundarbans: A Biodiversity Hub

The Sundarbans, the various maximum biodiverse mangrove forests globally, host a diverse array of fauna.
Notable inhabitants encompass the Bengal tiger, fishing cat, mangrove snakes, goliath heron, saltwater crocodile, and water reveal lizard.

Types of Mangroves Sites found in India

Riverine Mangroves:
- Found along the riverbanks and estuaries of major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi.
- Examples include the Sundarbans in West Bengal and the Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha.
Backwater Mangroves:
- Flourish in the backwaters, lagoons, and tidal creeks of coastal regions, such as the Pichavaram Mangroves in Tamil Nadu and the Goa Mangroves along the Konkan coast.
Estuaries Mangroves:
- These Mangroves are flourishing in the brackish/Salty waters of estuaries where freshwater from rivers meets the salty seawater.
- These mangroves are found in regions like the Godavari-Krishna delta in Andhra Pradesh and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands in Kerala.
Lagoon Mangroves:
- These Occupy the shallow lagoons and salt pans along the coastal Areas, providing crucial habitats for various Aquatic species.
- E.g. Chilika Lake Mangroves in Odisha and the Pulicat Lake Mangroves in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Significance of Mangroves in the Protection of the Environment

Coastal area Protection
- Mangrove forests act as natural protectors, reducing the impact of water waves, storms, and tsunamis on coastal communities and infrastructure.
- Sundarbans mangrove forest in India protected coastal areas from the devastating effects of Cyclone Amphan in 2020.
Erosion Control Medium with Roots
- The extensive root systems of mangroves stabilise coastlines and prevent soil erosion.
- In the Vembanad-Kol wetlands in Kerala, mangroves play a crucial role in preventing erosion along the coastal backwaters.
Biodiversity Hotspots of the Region
- Mangrove ecosystems support various plant and animal species, including numerous commercially important fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
- The Bhitarkanika Mangroves of Odisha) provide habitat for endangered species like the saltwater crocodile and the Indian python providing a hotspot for Biodiversity.
Carbon Sequestration and CLimate change
- Mangroves sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change.
- The Sunderbans mangrove forest alone stores an estimated 4.15 million tons of carbon annually.
Water Quality Improvement:
- Mangroves filter pollutants and trap sediment, improving water quality in coastal areas.
- Example: The Chilika Lake Mangroves in Odisha contribute to the purification of water entering the largest coastal lagoon in India.
Livelihood Support:
- Mangrove forests sustain local livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and traditional resource use.
- Pichavaram Mangroves (Tamil Nadu) support fishing communities and provide opportunities for eco-tourism and recreation.

State of Forest Report 2021 On Mangroves Sites

According to the State of Forest Report 2021 in India, the assessment offers distinctive Facts about the stats and data of mangrove cover throughout the country.

Total Mangrove Cover
- The SFR suggests that the entire mangrove cover in India is 4,992 square kilometres. This data reflects the volume of mangrove ecosystems in the country.
Increase in Mangrove Cover
- Compared to the previous report in 2019, there was a tremendous development with a boom of 17 square kilometres in the mangrove area.
- This suggests efforts in conservation and management are contributing to the growth of mangrove regions.
State-Level Increase
- The record highlights the states that have proven an increase in mangrove cover.
  - Odisha tops with the highest increase in Mangrove cover, adding 8 square kilometres.
  - Maharashtra follows with an addition of 4 rectangular kilometres.
  - Karnataka has proven an increase of 3 square kilometres.
Conservation Significance
- Mangroves are ecologically big, supplying critical habitats for numerous plants and fauna.
- They act as buffers towards Naturall failures, guide fisheries, and make contributions to coastal biodiversity.
Monitoring and Management
- The State of Forest Report plays an important function in monitoring the fitness and modifications in mangrove ecosystems.
- It aids in formulating strategies for their conservation and sustainable management.
Overall, the State of Forest Report 2021 shows fantastic strides in mangrove conservation in India, showcasing growth in their cover and emphasising the significance of persistent efforts in safeguarding those precious coastal ecosystems

Total Mangrove Sites in India

As of 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has documented 38 mangrove sites across India, according to the Annual Report MoEF&CC 2020-21.
Maharashtra boasts the highest count of mangrove sites within a state, with 10 sites, closely followed by Orissa with 7 sites.

Mangrove Sites in India

Threats to Mangrove Sites in India

Pesticide Use, Industrial Activities, and Sewage Outflow:
- Mangrove forests in India are in enormous danger from the use of insecticides, business operations, home sewage discharge, and business effluents.
Saltpans and Aquaculture:
- The presence of saltpans and the enlargement of aquaculture pose great risks to India’s mangrove ecosystems.
Land Conversion at the Western Coast:
- Over the past thirty years, about 40 percent of mangrove forests on the Western Coast of India were transformed into agricultural land and housing traits.
Widespread Loss Over the Last Century:
- India has witnessed a top-notch loss of forty percent of its mangrove cover within the past century.
- As per Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of ScienceThis decline is more often than not attributed to factors together with urbanisation, agricultural enlargement, aquaculture practices, tourism, and overexploitation

Preserving India’s Mangroves: Conservation Strategies and Legal Frameworks

To safeguard India’s mangrove forests, various national and international initiatives have been implemented. Important species of Mangrove ecosystems in India include Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, Heritiera littoralis, Phoenix paludosa, Morinda citrifolia & Ceriops tagal.

Fundamental Duties
- In 1976, the Indian Constitution underwent an amendment introducing the “Fundamental Duties” section, emphasising the responsibility of all citizens to conserve and enhance the nation’s natural resources, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
National Mangrove Committee
- The Indian government established the National Mangrove Committee to offer guidance on the preservation and development of mangroves.
National Forest Policy of 1988
- Recognizing the significance of mangrove forests, the National Forest Policy of 1988 prioritises them for forestry research, aiming to effectively conserve and manage these vital natural ecosystems.
Legal Protection
- Legal protection for plants and animals, although not explicitly addressing mangroves, is provided by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Indian Forest Act of 1927. These laws contribute to the overall preservation of the ecology and biodiversity of India’s mangrove forests.
Ramsar Convention: Several mangrove sites in India, along with others worldwide, are safeguarded by the Ramsar Convention.

Conclusion

Mangroves in India serve as Important coastal ecosystems, Serving habitat for diverse flora and fauna and acting as natural defense against erosion and storm surges. These mangrove forests have a crucial role in carbon sequestration, helping mitigate the effects of climate change, while also supporting local livelihoods through fisheries and ecotourism.

Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard India’s mangroves, ensuring their continued resilience and contribution to biodiversity, coastal protection, and sustainable development.

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Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has published a list of 38 mangrove sites in India as of 2021. (Source: Annual Report MoEF&CC 2020-21). Maharashtra has the greatest number of mangrove sites in a state (10), followed by Orissa (7 sites)

Mangroves are coastal trees that thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, with unique Features to live in saline water and tidal situations.

The State of Forest Report 2021 indicates that India's mangrove cover is 4,992 square kilometres, showing a substantial increase in comparison to 2019.

Mangroves play a crucial and important function in defending coastlines, providing breeding grounds for marine existence, and contributing to biodiversity.

Odisha leads with a growth of 8 sq.Km, followed by Maharashtra with 4 square km, and Karnataka with an increased cowl of 3 square km in mangrove cover..

Mangrove forests face threats from pesticide use, industrial activities, sewage outflow, saltpans, aquaculture, and land conversion alongside the Western Coast.

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Mangrove Sites in India: Location, Importance, Biodiversity, and Conservation Efforts

Introduction

Survival Essentials: Conditions for Mangrove Thriving in Indian Coastal

Salinity Tolerance:

Brackish Water:

Silt Deposition:

Adequate Oxygen:

Warm Temperatures:

Sufficient Sunlight:

Adaptations to Flooding:

Types of Roots: Mangrove Mastery in Indian Coasts

Global Mangrove Landscape: Insights from FRA 2020

Distribution of Mangroves in India state wise

Map of Mangrove Sites in India: Distribution of Mangroves

Importance of Mangrove Sites

Bhitarkanika in Orissa

Krishna-Godavari

Western coast of India

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Sundarbans: A Biodiversity Hub

Types of Mangroves Sites found in India

Riverine Mangroves:

Backwater Mangroves:

Estuaries Mangroves:

Lagoon Mangroves:

Significance of Mangroves in the Protection of the Environment

Coastal area Protection

Erosion Control Medium with Roots

Biodiversity Hotspots of the Region

Carbon Sequestration and CLimate change

Water Quality Improvement:

Livelihood Support:

State of Forest Report 2021 On Mangroves Sites

Total Mangrove Cover

Increase in Mangrove Cover

State-Level Increase

Conservation Significance

Monitoring and Management

Total Mangrove Sites in India

Threats to Mangrove Sites in India

Preserving India’s Mangroves: Conservation Strategies and Legal Frameworks

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How many (In Numbers) mangrove sites does India have?

What is the mangrove Ecosystem in India?

What is the whole mangrove cowl in India?

Why are mangroves forests so essential?

Which of the states have shown an increase in mangrove cover in India?

What are the threats to mangrove sites in India?

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