Lok Sabha Question No. 2025 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-29
Subject: Mangrove Cover
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: CHHEDI PASWAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2025 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.12.2017

## Mangrove Cover

## 2025.  SHRI CHHEDI PASWAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the study conducted through remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) confirms that the mangrove  cover of Indian Sundarban is decreasing rapidly;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken to check the ill effects of climate change and increase in sea level in order to protect mangrove cover of the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) to (c) The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been assessing the mangrove cover in  the  country  by  remote  sensing  through  satellite  data  analysis  along with  Geographic  Information  System  (GIS)  platform  on  a  biennial basis.  The  mangrove  cover  is  spread  over  an  area  of  4,740  sq.  km  in India.  Sundarban in West Bengal accounts for almost half of the total

area under mangroves in India.

According to India State of Forest Report 2015, published by the Forest Survey of India, the mangrove cover in West Bengal has increased by 9 sq. km. as compared to the 2013 assessment. Details are given below:

| District Name    | Area under Mangrove cover as per India State of Forest Report   | Area under Mangrove cover as per India State of Forest Report   | Increase in Mangrove   |
|------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|
| District Name    | 2013 (sq. km. )                                                 | 2015 (sq. km. )                                                 | Cover (sq. km. )       |
| Medinipur        | 3                                                               | 3                                                               | 0                      |
| North 24 Pargana | 25                                                              | 26                                                              | 1                      |
| South 24 Pargana | 2,069                                                           | 2,077                                                           | 8                      |
| Total            | 2,097                                                           | 2,106                                                           | 9                      |

The  Government  has  taken  steps  to  sustain  and  enhance  mangrove ecosystems in the country through promotional and regulatory methods. The promotional measures are being implemented through a  centrally sponsored scheme on conservation and management of mangroves and coral  reefs.  Regulatory  measures  are  implemented  through:  Coastal Regulation  Zone  (CRZ)  Notification  (2011)  and  the  Island  Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification 2011 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the  Biological  Diversity  Act,  2002;  and  rules  under  these  acts  as amended from time to time.

To  protect  and  conserve  the  coastal  and  marine  environment,  World Bank  assisted  Integrated  Coastal  Zone  Management  (ICZM)  Project envisages pilot investments in the coastal states of Gujarat, Odisha and West  Bengal.  Mangrove  plantation  is  one  of  the  major  activities undertaken  in  the  above  three  states  and  approximately  17,000  ha  of mangrove plantation has been carried out in these areas under the ICZM project.

The Government has also carried out a detailed  mapping of high tide line, environmentally sensitive areas, critically vulnerable coastal areas, sediment cells  and  hazard  line  for  the  coastal  stretches  in  the  country taking into account shoreline changes and impact of climate change on sea level rise.

Further, the Government launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change  (NAPCC)  in  June  2008  to  deal  with  the  climate  change  and related issues. Thirty-two States and Union Territories including West Bengal  have  prepared  State  Action  Plans  on  Climate  Change  to prioritise  state  specific  issues  relating  to  climate  change  including  on coastal areas.

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