As per latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the total mangrove cover in the country is 4,991.68 km², which accounts for 0.15 % of the country’s total geographical area. In comparison to ISFR 2019 and ISFR 2023, there has been a significant increase of 16.68 km² in the country’s mangrove coverage. The State/UTs wise detail of mangrove cover as per ISFR 2019 and ISFR 2023 is given below in the table.

As a part of Budget Announcement 2023-24, the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) has been launched on 5^th June 2023 to restore and promote mangroves as unique, natural eco-system and for preserving and enhancing the sustainability of the coastal habitats. The objective of MISHTI is to restore mangrove forests by undertaking mangrove reforestation/ afforestation measures along the coast of India. The Coastal Zone Regulation Notification of 2019 (CRZ) under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 classifies Mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) permitting only very limited activities in these areas. Additionally, provision of a 50-meter buffer zone along mangroves is also specified as CRZ-IA in case the mangrove cover is greater than 1,000 square meters. In such instances, if any mangroves are likely to be affected during the developmental process, three times the number of mangroves lost must be replanted as per the provisions of CRZ-2019 regulation. Further mangrove areas and mangrove ecosystems are also protected under the relevant provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and State specific laws

State and year wise break up of Mangrove Cover in the country

(in km²)

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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VM/GS