MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was announced in Union Budget 2023-24 to restore and conserve mangroves along India's coastline. Target: 540 sq km mangrove restoration over 5 years. Budget: ₹900 crore. Convergence of MGNREGA, CAMPA, forest/fishery schemes.
Target Beneficiaries: Coastal communities; fishermen; states with mangrove coastline: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, TN, AP, Odisha, WB, Andaman, Lakshadweep
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with States/UTs, local communities, and private partners
900
Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Shared between Central Government (CAMPA/Budgetary allocation) and State Governments through convergence with MGNREGS.
GS Paper: GS3
Syllabus Tags
Announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to commemorate India's G20 Presidency and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Focus on sustainable use of wetlands, complementing MISHTI.
Metric
75
Source: MoEFCC
Metric
540 sq km
Source: Union Budget
MISHTI addresses the critical gap in India's coastal management by focusing on mangroves as 'Bio-shields' against cyclones and sea-level rise. Its uniqueness lies in the 'Tangible Incomes' aspect, linking conservation with eco-tourism and carbon credits, which ensures community participation. However, the survival rate of mangrove saplings in polluted coastal waters and the threat of coastal encroachment for aquaculture remain significant risks. It is a strategic move to leverage India's 7,500 km coastline for 'Blue Carbon' sequestration, aligning with the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement.
Mangroves act as a natural barrier against climate-induced disasters. In this light, examine the objectives and significance of the MISHTI initiative.
Key for answers on: 1. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in coastal states. 2. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation strategies. 3. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) management. 4. Importance of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India.