CONSERVATION OF MANGROVES

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions of the world. The specific regions where these plants occur are termed as 'mangrove ecosystem'. These are highly productive but extremely sensitive and fragile. Besides mangroves, the ecosystem also harbours other plant and animal species.

There is 4445 km2 mangrove cover in  the country. During 2005, there was increase in the mangrove areas in Gujarat from 916 sq. km. to 936 sq. . Gujarat has shown an increase in mangrove cover mainly because of plantations and protection measures. Despite increase in mangrove in certain areas, the total mangrove cover of the country has been  marginally reduced, i.e.to the tune of 3 km sq.km. Thus,  from 4488 km^{2 in} 2003 it has reached at 4445sq.km.

There is reduction in the area in Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 658sq. km. to 637 sq. km. In West Bengal  it has come to 2118 sq. from 2120 sq. km.  This is mainly because of the tsunami that hit   Andaman and Nicobar  Islands on 26 December 2004.

             

On a nation-wide basis, 38 sites have been identified as appropriate for planting of mangroves, and their conservation and  management. The State –wise list is given in the table.

Under the scheme on conservation and management of mangrovs,100% Central Assistance is given to coastal States and Union Territories for implementing the approved Management Action Plans in the identified sites for components like survey and demarcation, mangrove planting  restoration and regeneration, livelihood supports for supplementary and  alternate occupations protection & surveillance  measures and education and  awareness.

   

38 Sites Identified for Conservation and Management of Mangroves

State/ Union	Mangrove areas
Territories
West Bengal	1. Sunderbans
Orissa	2. Bhaitarkanika
	3. Mahanadi
	4. Subernrekha
	5. Devi
	6. Dharma
	7. Mangrove Genetic Resources Centre
	8. Chilka
Andhra Pradesh	9. Coringa
	10.East Godavari
	11. Krishna
Tamil Nadu	12. Pichavarama
	13. Muthupet
	14. Ramnad
	15. Pulicat
	16. Kazhuveli
Andman & Nicobar	17. North Andmans
	18. Nicobar
Kerala	19. Vembanad
	20. Kannur (Northern Kerala)
Karnataka	21. Coondapur
	22.Dakshin Kannada /Honnavar
	23. Karwar
	24. Manglore Forest Division
Goa	25. Goa
Maharashtra	26. Achra-Ratnagiri
	27. Devgarh- Vijay Durg
	28. Veldur
	29. Kundalika- Revdanda
	30.Mumbra-Devi
	31. Vikroli
	32. Shreevardhan
	33. Vaitarna
	34. Vasai- Manori
	35. Malvan
Gujarat	36. Gulf of Kutchh
	37. Gulf of Khambhat
	38. Dumas- Ubhrat