Gujarat's Mangrove Forest Area Expands Remarkably

Significant growth in mangrove cover positions Gujarat as a leader in environmental conservation.

Gandhinagar - Gujarat has showcased a significant increase in mangrove forest area over the last three decades, serving as an exemplary model of environmental conservation. As of 2021, Gujarat's mangrove cover has expanded from 397 square kilometers in 1991 to 1175 square kilometers, making it the second largest in India, only behind West Bengal.

Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera highlighted the state's dedication, stating, “The Gujarat government has made sincere efforts to increase the plantation of mangrove trees in the state. Today, the mangrove cover in Gujarat has spread to 1175 square kilometers, a significant achievement."

Gujarat's mangrove cover is strategically distributed across four main areas. The Kutch district leads with 799 sq km, followed by the Gulf of Kutch, including the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Rajkot (Morbi), Porbandar, and Devbhoomi Dwarka, which collectively cover 236 sq km. The Central and South Gujarat regions, including Dumas-Ubhrat and districts like Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, and Surat, contribute 134 sq km. The Saurashtra region, comprising districts like Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir-Somnath, has a modest 6 sq km of mangrove cover.

From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the Gujarat government launched a massive mangrove planting campaign, increasing the annual plantation effort to 9080 hectares in 2016-17, with significant contributions in the Gulf of Kutch. In 2023-24, 6930 hectares of mangrove plantations were completed, and over 12,000 hectares are planned for 2024-25.

Mangroves, coastal forests consisting of saltwater trees, play a crucial role in improving water quality, supporting marine life, stabilizing coastal lands, and mitigating the impact of natural disasters like cyclones. They support an estimated 1,500 species of plants and animals, including fish and birds, and recent research suggests their importance for mammals such as monkeys, tigers, and African wild dogs.

Gujarat's commitment to mangrove conservation has set a global example. The state's extensive 1,650 km coastline along the Arabian Sea, over 21 percent of India's total coastline, creates an ideal environment for diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. This natural compatibility, combined with dedicated conservation efforts, positions Gujarat as a leader in environmental sustainability.