Executive Summary:
In response to concerns about mangrove cover in the Sundarbans, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change addresses measures to combat salinization, erosion, and threats to the ecosystem, including the Royal Bengal Tiger habitat. The government highlights afforestation and ecorestoration efforts, regulatory measures, and promotional initiatives aimed at protecting and augmenting mangrove plantations. This includes plans to enhance conservation efforts, protect biodiversity, sustain local livelihoods, and strengthen the Sundarbans' role as a natural buffer against cyclones.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Mangrove Cover:**
* West Bengal's mangrove cover, including the Sundarbans, increased by 22.16 sq. km between ISFR 2013 and ISFR 2023.
* Growth attributed to afforestation and ecorestoration under schemes like MISHTI and CAMPA-MGNREGS convergence.
* **Government Measures:**
* Promotional and regulatory measures implemented nationwide to protect mangrove plantations.
* Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications curb destructive activities.
* Key initiatives: Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs Scheme and the MISHTI programme.
* **Addressing Threats:**
* Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) projects implemented in coordination with the West Bengal government.
* ICZM focuses on mangrove afforestation, strengthening saline embankments, and promoting alternative livelihoods.
* Ecorestoration initiatives under the Green India Mission.
* Conservation efforts for the Royal Bengal Tiger under Project Tiger.
* Continuous monitoring of salinity, hydrological changes, and shoreline erosion.
* **Enhancing Conservation Efforts:**
* Preparation of a comprehensive management plan for long-term conservation of the Sundarbans biosphere.
* Expansion of mangrove cover through afforestation and reforestation.
* Strengthening early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
* Engaging local communities in ecodevelopment and mangrove stewardship through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).
Impact Analysis:
* **Central Government:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for implementing and overseeing national schemes and regulatory measures for mangrove conservation.
* *Action Required:* Continue promotional and regulatory efforts, coordinate with state governments, and monitor the effectiveness of conservation programs.
* **State Government of West Bengal:**
* *Impact:* Key partner in implementing ICZM projects and conservation efforts within the Sundarbans.
* *Action Required:* Collaborate with the Central Government on ICZM projects, strengthen saline embankments, promote alternative livelihoods, and participate in continuous monitoring activities.
* **Local Communities:**
* *Impact:* Directly affected by conservation efforts and involved in mangrove stewardship.
* *Action Required:* Engage in ecodevelopment activities, participate in Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), and support mangrove conservation efforts.
* **National Scientific Institutions:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for providing scientific expertise and monitoring data on salinity, hydrological changes, and shoreline erosion.
* *Action Required:* Continuously monitor environmental parameters, collaborate with government agencies, and provide scientific input for conservation planning.
Key Entities Referenced
Sundarbans: A mangrove ecosystem in West Bengal, India and Bangladesh, known for its biodiversity and Royal Bengal Tiger habitat.
Royal Bengal Tiger: A tiger subspecies native to the Sundarbans region, and a key species for conservation efforts.
West Bengal: A state in eastern India, containing a significant portion of the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.
MISHTI: A central scheme implemented for afforestation and ecorestoration efforts.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ): Regulatory notifications aimed at curbing destructive activities and promoting natural regeneration in coastal areas.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Projects implemented in coordination with the State Government of West Bengal, involving mangrove afforestation and strengthening saline embankments.
Green India Mission: An initiative providing support for ecorestoration efforts, including those in the Sundarbans.
Project Tiger: A conservation effort focused on protecting the Royal Bengal Tiger, including habitat improvement in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3675
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
Conservation of the Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem
3675. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the 4.23 per cent decline in very dense mangrove
cover in the Sunderbans during the last decade, if so, the reasons therefor;
(b) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to address salinization, erosion,
and threats to the mangrove ecosystem, including the Royal Bengal Tiger habitat; and
(c) the plans to enhance conservation efforts in the Sunderbans to protect biodiversity,
sustain local livelihoods, and strengthen its role as a natural buffer against cyclones?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) The total mangrove cover in West Bengal, including the Sundarbans, as per the Indian
State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2013 and ISFR 2023 is 2,097 sq. km. and 2,119.16 sq.
km. respectively, thus reflecting a gain of 22.16 sq. km over the last decade. This
growth is largely attributed to afforestation and eco-restoration efforts under State and
Central schemes such as MISHTI and CAMPA–MGNREGS convergence. The
Government has implemented both promotional and regulatory measures to protect,
sustain, and augment mangrove plantations nationwide. Regulatory steps like the
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications have curbed destructive activities and
promoted natural regeneration, while key promotional initiatives include the
‘Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs’ Scheme and the
MISHTI programme, which is being implemented across all coastal States and Union
Territories.
(b) To address salinization, erosion, and other threats to the mangrove ecosystem
including the Royal Bengal Tiger habitat, the Government, in coordination with the
State Government of West Bengal, has implemented Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM) projects involving mangrove afforestation, strengthening saline
embankments, and promoting alternative livelihoods. Additional support comes from
eco-restoration initiatives under the Green India Mission and conservation efforts for
the Royal Bengal Tiger under Project Tiger in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, which
include anti-poaching camps, habitat improvement, and monitoring using camera
traps and satellite telemetry. Continuous monitoring of salinity, hydrological changes,and shoreline erosion is also conducted in collaboration with national scientific
institutions.
(c) For enhancing conservation efforts in the Sundarbans to protect biodiversity, sustain
local livelihoods, and strengthen its role as a natural buffer against cyclones, key
initiatives taken include preparation of a comprehensive management plan for the
long-term conservation of the Sundarbans biosphere, with integrated attention to
biodiversity, disaster resilience, and community participation. Efforts are underway to
expand mangrove cover through afforestation and reforestation, strengthen early
warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, and actively engage local
communities in eco-development and mangrove stewardship through Joint Forest
Management Committees (JFMCs).
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