K. M. Ravindran*
M. V. S. Prasad**
The National Environment Policy, 2006
recognizes that mangroves are an important coastal environmental resource. The
Ministry of Environment & Forests is at the forefront in regard to the
conservation and management of mangroves, which provide habitats for marine
species; protection from extreme weather events and a resource base for
sustainable tourism. The Government seeks to sustain mangroves in the country
by both regulatory and promotional measures.
What
are Mangroves?
Mangroves are plants that survive high salinity, tidal regimes, strong
wind velocity, high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil – a combination of
conditions hostile for other plants. The mangrove ecosystems constitute a
symbiotic link or bridge between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They are
found in the inter-tidal zones of sheltered shore, estuaries, creeks,
backwaters, lagoons, marshes and mud-flats. Mangrove vegetation has been
reported in all the coastal States/UTs. India is home to some of the best
mangroves in the world. West Bengal has the maximum of mangrove cover in the
country followed by Gujarat and Andaman &
Nicobar Islands. However, not all coastal areas are suitable for mangrove
plantation as mangrove requires an appropriate mix of saline and freshwater,
and soft substrate like mudflats to be able to grow and perpetuate. The
Government has identified 38 mangrove areas on a country wide basis for
intensive conservation and management. In Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram, Muthupet,
Ramnad, Pulicat and Kazhuveli mangrove areas have been identified.
Mangroves Protect the Coast
Mangrove
ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and harbour a number of floral and faunal
species (both terrestrial and aquatic) many of which, e.g. the tiger, gangetic
dolphin, estuarine crocodile etc. are endangered. They also act as nurseries
for fin fish, shell fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Mangrove forests are
regarded as the most productive ecosystems in the world on account of the large
quantities of organic and inorganic nutrients released in the coastal waters by
these ecosystems.
The mangroves
besides providing a number of ecological services also play a major role in
protecting coastal areas from erosion, tidal storms and surges (tsunamis). They
help in land accretion by trapping the fine debris particles. They are also an
important source of honey, tannins, wax, besides fish. Presently, these are one
of the most threatened ecosystems on account of both anthropogenic factors
(reclamation of land, discharge of waste etc) and natural factors like global
warming.
Intensive Conservation in
Eight States
The current
assessment shows that the mangrove cover in the country is 4,662.56 sq km. The
mangrove plantation with an average, annual target of 3,000 hectares is
undertaken on a country wide basis. The areas supported are among the 38 areas
as already identified by MoEF for intensive conservation. During 2010-11,
financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 7.10 crores had been distributed among
West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Gujarat for conservation and management of mangroves.
The project entitled "Mangroves for Future (MFF): a
strategy for promoting investment in Coastal Ecosystem Conservation" is
being coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
covering, initially, eight countries, including India. (PIB Features.)
*****
*Addl DG, PIB, Chennai
** Joint Director, PIB, Chennai
With inputs from Ministry of Environment & Forests.
SS-117/SF-117/02-07-2012
RTS/HSN