A.P. should emerge as national role model in mangrove conservation, says Pawan

Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, recently underscored the critical need for mangrove conservation, urging the state to emerge as a national role model in this vital environmental endeavor. This statement reflects a growing recognition of mangroves as indispensable natural safeguards, particularly in coastal regions prone to natural disasters like cyclones and storm surges. The specific mention of the Krishna and Godavari basins highlights the vulnerability of these deltaic regions and the strategic importance of mangroves in their protection.

The **background context** for this emphasis on mangrove conservation is rooted in India's extensive coastline and its historical susceptibility to natural calamities. India, with a coastline of over 7,500 km, is highly vulnerable to various natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. States like Andhra Pradesh, situated on the Bay of Bengal coast, frequently bear the brunt of severe cyclones. The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami served as a stark reminder of the protective role played by natural coastal ecosystems like mangroves, which significantly reduced damage in areas where they were intact. Over the decades, rapid coastal development, aquaculture, pollution, and climate change have led to significant degradation and loss of mangrove cover, exacerbating the risks faced by coastal communities. Therefore, the Deputy CM's call is a timely and necessary response to both ecological degradation and disaster preparedness.

**What happened** is that the Deputy CM stressed a dual approach: vigorously protecting existing mangrove forests and undertaking extensive new plantations. This strategy is aimed at minimizing losses from frequent natural disasters, especially in the ecologically sensitive and densely populated Krishna and Godavari river basins. These basins are home to significant mangrove ecosystems, such as the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Godavari delta, which are crucial for local biodiversity and community livelihoods. The vision for Andhra Pradesh to become a 'national role model' implies a commitment to adopting best practices, innovative techniques, and robust policy frameworks for mangrove management.

**Key stakeholders** involved in this initiative include primarily the **Andhra Pradesh State Government**, which will be responsible for policy formulation, funding allocation, and implementation through its various departments like Forest, Environment, and Disaster Management. The **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)** at the central level provides national guidelines, funding support through schemes like the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project, and technical expertise. **Local communities**, particularly fisherfolk and coastal dwellers, are crucial stakeholders; their livelihoods often depend on healthy mangrove ecosystems, and their participation is vital for successful conservation efforts. **Scientific institutions and NGOs** will play roles in research, monitoring, public awareness, and on-ground implementation. Their expertise in ecological restoration and community engagement will be invaluable.

**Why this matters for India** is multi-faceted. Environmentally, mangroves are biodiversity hotspots, providing breeding grounds for various marine species, supporting fisheries, and acting as carbon sinks, critical for climate change mitigation. From a disaster management perspective, they serve as natural bio-shields, reducing the impact of storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. Economically, healthy mangroves support local livelihoods through fisheries and ecotourism. Socially, they protect vulnerable coastal populations. If Andhra Pradesh succeeds in becoming a role model, it could inspire other coastal states to replicate similar comprehensive strategies, thereby enhancing India's overall coastal resilience and contributing to its national and international commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Historically, India has seen a fluctuating trajectory in environmental protection. While early efforts were limited, significant legislative milestones emerged post-1970s. The **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, provided a comprehensive framework for environmental governance. Specifically for coastal areas, the **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification**, first issued in 1991 and subsequently revised in 2011 and 2018, mandates the protection of ecologically sensitive areas, including mangroves. These notifications restrict developmental activities in CRZ areas to safeguard coastal ecosystems. The emphasis on mangroves also aligns with India's **National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)**, which identifies the need for sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, coastal and marine ecosystems, and water resources.

From a **constitutional perspective**, the directive to protect and improve the environment is enshrined in **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which states that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country." Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, obligates every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures." These articles provide the constitutional backing for such conservation initiatives.

**Future implications** are significant. A successful model in Andhra Pradesh could lead to increased funding and policy emphasis on mangrove conservation nationwide. It could foster greater inter-state cooperation in environmental management and encourage the adoption of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies for climate change. Challenges will include securing adequate funding, ensuring effective community participation, combating illegal encroachment, and adapting to the ongoing impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise. However, the Deputy CM's statement marks a positive step towards a more resilient and ecologically sound future for Andhra Pradesh and potentially for India's entire coastline.