The Vital Role of Mangroves in India's Coastal Regions

1. What are mangroves and where are they found in India?

Mangroves are forested wetlands composed of salt-tolerant trees that grow along coastlines. In India, mangroves are mainly found in the Sundarbans (West Bengal), Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

2. Why are mangroves important for coastal areas?

Mangroves serve as natural barriers and provide multiple benefits:

• Protect against cyclones, storms, and sea erosion
• Prevent flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure
• Support local livelihoods such as fishing and honey gathering
• Store large amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change
• Provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and birds

3. How much mangrove area does India have?

India has approximately 4,900 sq. km of mangroves. Key mangrove states include West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

4. What are the threats to mangroves in India?

Major threats include:

• Urban expansion
• Shrimp farming
• Industrial pollution
• Altered water flow
• Climate change

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over half of India’s mangroves are at risk of collapse.

5. How is Tamil Nadu restoring its mangroves?

Tamil Nadu has implemented several restoration measures:

• Identified 15 degraded mangrove sites
• Planted over 9,000 hectares under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission
• Restored estuaries previously damaged by shrimp farming
• Combined scientific and local knowledge to guide planning

These efforts show signs of recovery, particularly in Thanjavur and Cuddalore districts.

6. What restoration activities are happening in Mumbai?

Mumbai is actively restoring mangroves through:

• Support from Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund and the BMC’s tree authority
• Planting 6,000 Rhizophora saplings
• Using eco-friendly solutions like biodegradable booms to prevent plastic and waste from entering creeks

7. How is Gujarat contributing to mangrove revival?

Gujarat has emerged as India’s leader in mangrove restoration:

• Planted over 19,000 hectares in 2 years, exceeding the national target of 14,000 hectares per year
• Launched the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) in 2023
• Supports biodiversity, reduces coastal erosion, and enhances carbon absorption

8. What is the aim of India’s national mangrove mission?

The National Mangrove Mission aims to:

• Protect coastal regions
• Conserve biodiversity
• Support sustainable livelihoods
• Absorb carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change