Maharashtra records impressive gain in mangrove cover, city exception

Latest government data shows mangrove spread in Maharashtra wider by 82 sq km compared with 2015

Updated : Feb 13, 2018, 06:00 AM IST

Maharashtra records impressive gain in mangrove cover, city exception

File photo of mangroves being cleared in Mumbai

Mangroves, the mud-loving tropical trees, are spreading their roots in Maharashtra at an impressive rate, except that their resilience is no match against Mumbai's insatiable hunger for concrete.

According to the government data released on Monday, mangrove cover in the state rose to 304 sq km in 2017 from 222 sq km two years ago, the highest gain in the country. The green umbrella, though, remained unchanged for Mumbai City at 2 sq km.

The data is part of the latest biennial survey report of the Forest Survey of India. Among the significant observations is a 16-sqkm increase in mangrove cover in the Mumbai Suburban district, where many cases of destruction have been reported in recent past.

What the survey tells

The mangrove cover in Maharashtra expanded for the first time in 2015 with a modest 36 sq km. But the gain in past two years is significant considering that mangroves act as barriers against flooding, help fish and other aquatic animals flourish. The data for 2017 also depicts how the cover has increased in five of the six districts with Thane (including Palghar) and Raigad emerging as top gainers.

Officials attribute the welcome figures to a dedicated state Mangrove Cell set up in 2012.

N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forest of the Mangrove Cell called it a proud moment. Though Maharashtra has only 4 per cent of the country's mangrove cover, it has helped contribute 45 per cent of the national increase, he said.

"The increase in the cover also means added responsibility to ensure that the areas are better protected and there is similar rise seen in coming years," said Vasudevan. Maharashtra has now overtaken Odisha to rank fifth in the extent of mangrove cover, he said.

Destruction of cover worries activists

Several activists fighting for the protection of mangroves and wetlands said they were happy with the survey outcome, though their major concern was the rampant destruction of the green lungs and apparent lack of efforts to replant mangroves on land taken over by encroachers, particularly in and around Mumbai.

Harish Pandey, who has been fighting for the protection of mangroves in Dahisar belt, acknowledged the work done by the Mangrove Cell but also said that several acres of the trees were being destroyed by dumping debris. "Either there was no action due to land ownership issues or steps to restore the land were delayed."

Stalin D, director (projects) of NGO Vanashakti said it needs to be seen where the cover has increased. "It is a good sign if the increase is on the landward side, but if it is towards the creekside, it will have long-term repercussions including narrowing of creeks."

The increased cover in Mumbai Suburban district could also be due to growth in several abandoned salt pans, said Stalin.

Vasudevan was quick to counter the claims. While there was destruction, he said, increased awareness of protecting wetlands has borne fruit. "There are parts where mangroves are being destroyed and it's a huge concern, but there are also places like the Thane creek where they are being fiercely protected after being declared a sanctuary and the area is becoming denser."