Why in News: In spite of mounting threats to mangroves, India is also the epicentre of a number of inspiring efforts to protect and revive mangrove ecosystems; with the right mix of stewardship, scientific support, and policy attention, they are showing that mangroves can not only survive, but also thrive
Why Mangroves Matter
Definition: Salt-tolerant forested wetlands found in intertidal zones along tropical and subtropical coasts.
Mangroves Status in India
- Total Mangrove Cover: 4,992 sq. km (0.15% of India’s total geographical area) — India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023
Significance of Mangroves
1. Coastal Protection
- Act as natural buffers against cyclones, tsunamis, tidal surges, and coastal erosion.
- Example: Odisha’s mangroves reduced the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan (2020).
2. Climate Regulation
- Store up to 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests.
- Major reservoirs of blue carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
3. Biodiversity Hotspots
- Serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and birds.
- Promote ecological balance in marine and coastal ecosystems.
4. Livelihood Support
- Source of income through fishing, honey collection, and timber for many coastal communities.
- Encourage eco-tourism, contributing to local economic development.
5. Fisheries Enhancement
- Support both local and commercial fishing industries.
- Example: Gulf of Kutch mangroves sustain ~40% of Gujarat’s marine fish catch.
6. Water Purification
- Known as the “Kidneys of the Planet” for their role in filtering pollutants, heavy metals, and excess nutrients from coastal waters.
Key Threats to Mangroves
Natural Threats
- Cyclones & Storm Surges (e.g., Cyclone Amphan 2020): Uproot trees, damage ecosystems.
- Coastal Erosion: Rising seas and wave action reduce habitat.
- Altered Hydrology: Changes in salinity and water flow hinder mangrove survival.
Anthropogenic Threats
- Urban Expansion: Ports, tourism, and cities destroy habitats.
- Pollution: Industrial waste, sewage, plastics, and oil spills degrade ecosystems.
- Aquaculture & Agriculture: Shrimp farming, rice fields cause large-scale deforestation (40% loss in India from aquaculture).
- Illegal Logging: Overharvesting for fuel, timber, charcoal.
Climate Change
- Rising temperatures & sea levels threaten survival and regeneration.
- IUCN Warning: 50% of mangrove ecosystems at risk of collapse by 2050.
Success Stories from Indian States
1. Tamil Nadu: Achievements-
- Mangrove cover nearly doubled (4,500 ha → 9,000 ha) from 2021 to 2024.
Initiatives:
- Green Tamil Nadu Mission
- Restoration in Muthupettai Estuary: 115 ha revived via canal construction, community involvement, and planting over 4.3 lakh seeds.
- Chennai’s Kazhipattur mangrove belt restored with 12,500 seedlings after clearing invasive species.
2. Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- 2025 Initiative: Amazon + Hasten Regeneration + BMC → $1.2 million project at Thane Creek.
Key Features:
- Install trash booms to intercept 150 tonnes of plastic.
- Focus on urban clean-up, biodiversity protection, and employment for local women.
3. Gujarat
- Leader in restoration under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, 2023).
Achievements:
- 19,000+ ha planted in 2 years.
- Focus on Kutch and Saurashtra for resilience and eco-tourism.
- Gujarat holds 23.6% of India’s mangrove cover.
The Way Forward for Mangrove Conservation
- Policy & Planning: Integrate mangrove restoration into national climate and coastal strategies.
- Community Involvement: Engage local communities in protection and maintenance efforts.
- Climate & Livelihood: Prioritize mangroves for climate resilience, carbon storage, and coastal livelihoods.
- Awareness: Educate the public on mangroves’ ecological and climate benefits.
- Restoration & Protection: Restore degraded mangroves and safeguard existing forests.
- Research: Invest in exploring new uses like phytoremediation and medicinal applications.
- Monitoring: Use drones and AI for health assessment and to prevent illegal activities.
- Adoption: Promote adoption of mangrove patches by individuals and organizations for sustained care.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology) — covering biodiversity, climate change, environmental conservation, and disaster management.
Mains Practice Question:
Q. “Mangroves are critical to India’s coastal ecology, climate resilience, and livelihood security. Discuss the significance of mangrove conservation in the context of India’s environmental challenges.”