As per the latest report based on the assessment of various scientific institutes, in recent years there has been wide range damage of coastal eco-system. The report points out that the mangroves have undergone extensive destruction in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the extent of 18%.
Due to the effect of Tsunami, rising global temperature, and the burden of rapidly growing population in coastal zones, the coastal eco-system is now the most imperilled system.
The report suggest that in Andaman Islands about 3850 ha of mangroves were lost, while, 7750 ha mangroves were damaged. In Nicobar Island, about 390 ha of mangroves were damaged while mangroves in Tamil Nadu and Kerala coast were marginally affected.
Recently due to rising sea level as an impact of global warming and subsequently coastal degradation, the Ministry of Environment and Forest had identified 10 scientific agencies/institutes for assessment of damages to coastal ecosystems and also the impact of Tsunami.
Coastal habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests and wetlands which act as a protective sheet for the coastal system against Tsunami, have been in constant threat due to increasing human activity.
Coral reefs were also damaged in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the extent of 40,000 ha. Beaches, mudflats have also been affected on the islands as well as in the mainland. Large tracks of land had become saline in the island. Significant loss of forest to extent of 12,000 ha was observed in Nicobar group and 40 ha of forest in Cuddalore.
As per some of the studies undertaken by the scientific institute it is revealed that the mangroves, coral reefs, beaches etc., are in the process of reformation. However, revival of these features and ecosystems would take about 5 to 10 years.
Annamalai University, Parangipettai; Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata; Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi; Central Water Commission, New Delhi; Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivendrum; Forest Survey of India, Dehradun; Institute of Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai; Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad; Suganthi Devadason Marine Reasearch Institute, Tuticorin; Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata have recently submitted their reports to the ministry.
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