Mangrove Preservation in India: A UPSC Overview.

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Definition & Characteristics

  • Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees/shrubs found in intertidal regions of tropical and subtropical coastlines.

  • Unique halophyte species capable of growing in brackish water, with aerial roots (pneumatophores), vivipary reproduction.

  • Serve as natural buffers against storms, tidal waves, erosion, and are carbon sinks.

Presence in India

  • India has ~4,992 sq. km of mangroves (as per ISFR 2023). This represents 0.15% of the country's total geographical area.

  • Major regions:

    • Sundarbans (West Bengal) – largest (∼40% of Indian mangroves)

    • Bhitarkanika (Odisha)

    • Mahanadi & Krishna deltas

    • Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    • Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambhat (Gujarat)

    • Godavari, Muthupet (Tamil Nadu), Karwar (Karnataka)


Ecological and Economic Significance

  • Biodiversity hotspots (home to Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles).

  • Act as carbon sinks (important for climate mitigation).

  • Sustain fisheries, livelihoods, and traditional medicine.

  • Prevent soil erosion, saline water intrusion into coastal lands.

Threats and Damages

  • Urbanization, industrial expansion in coastal zones.

  • Aquaculture and shrimp farming.

  • Oil spills, pollution, and plastic waste.

  • Rising sea levels, cyclones, and climate change.

  • Construction of ports, thermal plants, tourism infrastructure.

Indian Government Initiatives

  • Environment Protection Act, 1986

  • CRZ Notification, 2011 & 2019: Classifies mangroves >1000 sq. m as ecologically sensitive under CRZ-I.

  • CAMPA Fund: For compensatory afforestation.

  • National Mangrove Conservation Programme (NMCP): Supports states in mangrove protection.

  • ISFR by FSI: Annual mangrove cover assessment.

  • Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC): India joined in 2022 (COP27) to strengthen international cooperation.

Global Measures

  • Ramsar Convention: Several Indian mangrove wetlands like Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika listed.

  • UNEP Blue Carbon Initiative

  • SDG Goal 14 & 15: Life below water & on land.

  • Mangrove Restoration Projects supported by UNDP, IUCN, etc.

Challenges

  • Weak inter-agency coordination.

  • Poor local community involvement.

  • Lack of baseline data for smaller mangrove patches.

  • Conflicting development vs environment priorities.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen community-based ecotourism and local governance.

  • Strict EIA enforcement in mangrove-rich zones.

  • Promote scientific restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystems.

  • Improve mapping and real-time monitoring.

  • Leverage Blue Carbon credits for conservation funding.

  • Integrate mangroves into National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and coastal zone regulations.

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