Mangroves in India

 Mangroves in India

For Prelims: Mangroves, Indian State Forest Report 2023, Sundarbans, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) Initiative
Why in the News?

A recent report by Anna University reveals a significant expansion of mangrove coverage in Tamil Nadu, with the area increasing from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024. This has brought mangroves back into public discussion.

What are Mangroves?
Overview:
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems made up of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are uniquely adapted to saline, low-oxygen environments with slow-moving waters, where fine sediments accumulate.
Common mangrove species include Red mangrove, Grey mangrove, and Rhizophora.

Key Characteristics:

• Habitat & Growth Conditions: Mangroves flourish in tidal flats, estuaries, and deltas with high silt deposition, undergoing bi-daily tidal flooding. They adapt to intense solar radiation, anaerobic mud, and can extract freshwater from saline water.
• Physiological Adaptations: Mangroves develop pneumatophores (in Avicennia) for respiration, prop roots (in Rhizophora) for stability, and lenticellated bark to prevent water loss and secrete salt. Their salt-secreting glands aid in excreting excess salt, and their roots trap sediments, stabilizing coastlines.
• Reproductive Adaptations: Mangroves exhibit viviparity, where seeds germinate while still on the tree, ensuring survival in the harsh saline environment.
• Distribution: Mangroves are found only in tropical and subtropical regions, as they cannot survive in freezing temperatures. According to the FAO (2023), global mangrove cover stood at 14.8 million hectares in 2020, covering less than 1% of all tropical forests. The largest mangrove areas are found in South and Southeast Asia, followed by South America, Africa, and Oceania. Countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, and Australia account for 47% of the global mangrove cover.

Mangrove Coverage in India:
India’s mangrove cover, according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, is around 4,992 sq. km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area. Major mangrove ecosystems are found in Odisha (Bhitarkanika), Andhra Pradesh (Godavari-Krishna delta), Gujarat, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands.
The Sundarbans, the largest contiguous mangrove forest globally, and Bhitarkanika, the second-largest in India, are notable ecosystems.

Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans derive their name from the sundari tree (Heritiera fomes). This region extends from the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh, spanning the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna delta.
The Sundarbans are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising four protected areas: Sundarbans National Park (India), and Sundarbans West, South, and East Wildlife Sanctuaries (Bangladesh). The region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to species like the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and over 260 bird species.

Significance of Mangroves:

• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves store an average of 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare, making them efficient blue carbon sinks. Their unique environment slows decomposition, enabling effective carbon storage.
• Coastal Protection: Mangroves serve as natural barriers, reducing storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. They can reduce wave energy by 5-35% and flood depths by up to 20% in some areas, playing a vital role in disaster risk reduction.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Mangroves support over 5,700 species across 21 phyla in India, including endangered species like Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and over 260 bird species.
• Food Security & Livelihoods: Mangroves contribute to global fisheries, supporting 800 billion aquatic species annually. They also provide honey, fruits, and leaves, helping sustain coastal communities.

Major Threats to Mangroves:

• Land Conversion: A significant cause of mangrove loss is land conversion for activities like aquaculture (26%), oil palm plantations, and rice cultivation (43%). Timber extraction and charcoal production also lead to mangrove degradation.
• Pollution: Oil spills, especially in regions like the Niger Delta, threaten the health and regeneration of mangrove ecosystems.
• Invasive Species: The spread of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species, disrupts mangrove ecosystems in places like Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It competes with native species, alters soil salinity, reduces freshwater availability, and hampers mangrove regeneration.

India’s Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation:

• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) and SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem) initiatives aim to conserve and enhance mangrove habitats while supporting local economies.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthen Legal Framework: Implement stricter laws to curb deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development.
2. Community Involvement: Engage local communities in mangrove conservation, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to the protection and restoration of mangroves.
3. Research & Technology: Support research into phytoremediation, medicinal uses, and sustainable practices. Use drone surveillance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time monitoring and protection against illegal activities.
4. Bio-Restoration: Employ bio-restoration methods to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas, enhancing biodiversity and resilience against climate change.
5. Sustainable Coastal Development: Encourage eco-friendly infrastructure, regulate aquaculture, and integrate mangrove conservation into urban planning.
6. International Cooperation: Strengthen global initiatives like the Ramsar Convention and the Blue Carbon Initiative for effective mangrove conservation.

Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the ecological and economic importance of mangroves in India. Suggest a holistic strategy for their conservation and sustainable management.

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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims
Q. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest? (2015)
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans: (d)

Mains
Q. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (2019)

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