FSI data of 2007 released recently, shows that the total increase in mangroves cover in India was 58sq km out of which Gujarat's contribution is 55sq km.
Gujarat's mangrove cover has risen sharply in over 55sq km area during the last two years as per the data of Forest Survey of India (FSI), thanks to Gujarat forest department efforts of its plantation to save the coastal erosion.
FSI data of 2007 released recently, shows that the total increase in mangroves cover in India was 58sq km out of which Gujarat's contribution is 55sq km.
Increase in mangrove cover is quiet a turnaround for Gujarat where the cover was depleting in the later parts of 1990s.
The FSI said, of the 4,639sq km area of mangrove plantation in the country, Gujarat covered 1,046sq km in 2007 in comparison of 991sq km in 2005.
The report stated that Gujarat showed an increase in mangrove cover mainly because of plantation and protection measures taken by the state.
"We have made special efforts for protection and plantation of mangroves in the state due to which the mangrove cover has risen," principal secretary forest and environment department of the state SK Nanda told PTI.
"This data is up to the year 2007. In the year 2008 and 2009, we have added another 30sq km areas of mangrove cover to protect the sand erosion at the coast," Nanda added. Another forest department official said that the mangrove is very important for the overall protection of the ecosystem in coastal areas and also provides valuable protection to marine animals and birds.
"Taking these things into consideration, the state government has undertaken a ten year's project of mangrove plantation under Gujarat Forestry Development Project," the official added.
According to FSI data, the maximum increase in mangrove plantation was in Ahmedabad and Kutch districts which recorded an increase of 18sq km each.
Jamnagar recorded an increase of 7sq km, followed by 5sq km in Bharuch. Other districts which recorded increase were Anand (3sq km) and Vadodara (4sq km).
However, according to the FSI report, the overall forest cover in Gujarat has decreased by 532sq km between 2001 and 2007.
In 2001, the forest cover in Gujarat was 15,152sq km, which came to 7.73% of the state's geographical area.
According to FSI 2009, the forest cover in Gujarat has come down to 14,620sq km, 7.46% of state's geographical area, showing a decrease of 0.27% (532sq km).
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