Increment of 112 sq km of mangrove cover in India : Forest survey 2015

Forest Survey of India stated an increase in 112 sq. km. of mangroves forest. In 2013 there was decrease of 36 km sq.

Mangrove Forests in India1. Mangroves of Gujarat,2. Ratnagiri Mangroves,3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands4. Sunderban5. Cauvery Delta6. Krishna godavari7. Mahanadi 8. Goa

- About Management of Mangroves in India

1. The Sundarbans mangroves, located in the Bay of Bengal (partly in India and partly in Bangladesh), were the first mangroves in the world to be put under scientific management.

2. The 1976 amendment to the Indian Constitution, states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife.

3. The Government of India set up the National Mangrove Committee in the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1976 to advise the government on  mangrove conservation and development.

4. On the basis of the National Mangrove Committee's recommendation, 15 mangrove areas were identified for conservation.

Some Legislative framework

1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provide protection to the flora and fauna of the country.

2. The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 states that no forest area shall be diverted for any non-forestry purpose without prior approval of the Government of India.

3. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has had a crucial role in the conservation and management of mangrove ecosystems.