Mangroves in Focus After Supreme Court Coastal Road Decision

Mangroves have come into focus after the Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Bombay High Court order permitting the removal of 45,675 mangrove trees for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road project. The decision has sparked debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive coastal regions.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in coastal intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. They thrive in saline or brackish waters and are uniquely adapted to survive harsh conditions such as tidal fluctuations, high salinity, and oxygen-deficient soils. These ecosystems serve as a natural interface between land and sea.

Unique Adaptations and Characteristics

Mangroves possess specialised features that enable survival in extreme environments. Their roots can filter salt or excrete it through leaves. Aerial roots, known as pneumatophores, allow them to absorb oxygen from the air in waterlogged soils. Prop roots provide structural stability against tides and storms. Additionally, mangroves exhibit vivipary, where seeds germinate while still attached to the parent tree, increasing survival chances in saline conditions.

Ecological Importance and Carbon Storage

Mangrove forests are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems, playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. They act as natural buffers against coastal erosion, cyclones, and storm surges. Moreover, they provide vital habitats for diverse marine and terrestrial species, supporting biodiversity and fisheries.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mangroves grow in intertidal coastal zones with saline or brackish water.
• Pneumatophores are aerial roots used for respiration.
• Vivipary is a key reproductive adaptation in mangroves.
• Mangroves are significant carbon sinks and protect coastlines.

Distribution of Mangroves in India

In India, mangroves are found across several coastal regions, including the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna rivers, and the Pichavaram mangroves in Tamil Nadu. Other significant areas include Bhitarkanika in Odisha, the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, and island ecosystems such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. These regions highlight the ecological diversity and strategic importance of mangroves in India’s coastal landscape.