Context: 

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

Restoration of Mangrove Forest in India

• The government has initiated several actions to safeguard and improve mangrove forests in coastal States and Union Territories.
• These actions include both promotional and regulatory measures.
• The promotional measures are put into action through a program called the ‘Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs‘.
• This program operates under the National Coastal Mission Programme, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

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

• 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. 

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