Why in news
- Union Environment Minister reviewed progress under the MISHTI scheme in Bhuj and launched the Mangrove GIS (MGIS) Portal.
- Gujarat achieved 27,652 hectares of mangrove plantation out of its 2023–27 target of 29,250 hectares.
Key terms
Blue Carbon
Carbon captured and stored naturally by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A computer system designed to capture, store, analyze, and display geographically referenced spatial data.
What is the MISHTI Scheme?
- Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was launched in Union Budget 2023–24.
- Aims to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems along India's coastline and salt pans by converging CAMPA funds, MGNREGS, and private investments.
Implementation Review & New Initiatives
- Restored 12,450 hectares of mangroves specifically in the ecologically vulnerable Kori Creek region of Kachchh.
- Launched the Mangrove GIS (MGIS) Portal to enable satellite-driven spatial tracking and scientific monitoring of coastal plantations.
- Released the Mangroves Atlas of Gujarat to map site-specific restoration techniques adapted to saline arid belts.
Why it matters
- Mangroves serve as natural bio-shields against coastal erosion, storm surges, and act as highly efficient blue carbon sinks.
- Integrates eco-restoration with local livelihood diversification, including sustainable seaweed cultivation.
Prelims facts
- MISHTI scheme operates through convergence of CAMPA funds, MGNREGS, and public-private partnerships.
Mains discussion
- Assess the role of coastal bio-shields like mangroves in mitigating climate change impacts along India's coastline.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2021 · Q19 · General Studies · 2 marks
What is blue carbon? -
2026 · Q23 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2015 · Q38 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest? -
2026 · Q7 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2023 · Q49 · General Studies · 2 marks
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?