Restoration of mangroves along the central west coast of India

Abstract

The area of Indian mangroves has been estimated, with the help of remote sensing techniques, to be approximately 700,000 ha. It has been observed that at several places mangroves are degrading mainly due to deforestation and reclamation. As a result of various measures taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. New Delhi, conservation and management policies were initiated between 1985-1995. During this period it was observed, with remote sensing techniques, that vast stretches of intertidal mudflats were available for the restoration of mangroves. Since 1985, restoration of mangroves has occurred over large areas along the east and west coast of India. This chapter covers the modest efforts made to restore mangroves along the central west coast of India