In response to escalating concerns from environmentalists regarding the precarious state of mangroves along Maharashtra’s coastline, the Maharashtra Mangrove Cell has embarked on a comprehensive survey of tidal plants.
This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to mitigating threats to mangrove ecosystems, amidst growing apprehensions over delays in transferring mangroves to the forest department for conservation, in compliance with the Bombay High Court’s directives. The survey, spearheaded by the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC), encompasses coastal regions across seven districts: Sindhdurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Thane, Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, and Palghar. According to S V Ramarao, Chief of the Mangrove Cell, the study aims to provide insights into both mangrove growth dynamics and the extent of their degradation. Leveraging advanced technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), MRSAC is poised to deliver precise assessments crucial for effective mangrove management.
Official records reveal a significant backlog in the transfer of mangrove land to the forest department, with approximately 2,011.36 hectares still pending allocation, as per the Bombay High Court’s mandate. Palghar district emerges as a focal point, accounting for the majority of pending land transfers, amounting to 1,277.58 hectares, as disclosed in the recent mangrove committee meeting minutes. B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect Foundation, underscores the criticality of mangrove conservation, emphasising that the pending 2,011 hectares equate to roughly 200 Azad Maidans in size. He stresses the urgent need for concerted efforts to preserve these vital coastal ecosystems.
The state’s proactive stance in initiating this survey underscores its recognition of the ecological significance of mangroves and its commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and prioritizing conservation efforts, Maharashtra endeavours to safeguard its coastal biodiversity for future generations. “The minutes of the mangrove committee meeting, however, remained silent on the sea forest area pending transfer from CIDCO,” Kumar pointed out. Over 1,200 hectares of mangrove land is still with CIDCO, as per a response from the mangrove cell to NatConnect, following the NGO’s complaint to the prime minister. NatConnect drew the PM’s attention to the fact that sea forests are being ignored despite his ambitious Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) that envisages comprehensively exploring the possible area for development of mangroves covering approximately 540 sq km, across 11 states and two union territories. The PMO had referred the complaint to the state government which in turn asked the mangrove cell to respond.
