MISHTI Scheme: Mangrove Restoration & Coastal Sustainability
Introduction
The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) is a flagship environmental programme launched as part of the Union Budget 2023–24 to restore and expand India’s mangrove ecosystem. It focuses on strengthening coastal resilience, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.
ANALYSIS
1. Objectives & Significance
MISHTI aims to:
- Restore degraded mangrove forests through afforestation/reforestation
- Protect coastal ecosystems from erosion, cyclones, and climate change
- Enhance biodiversity conservation
- Support livelihood generation for coastal communities
Mangroves act as natural bio-shields, making them critical for India’s climate adaptation strategy.
2. Implementation Strategy
The scheme is implemented through convergence approach, integrating multiple programmes:
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund)
- MGNREGS
- State Government Plans
This ensures:
- Cost efficiency
- Community participation
- Multi-sectoral coordination
3. Progress Achieved (2023–25)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|
| Total area covered | 22,560.34 hectares |
| States/UTs covered | 13 |
| Major contributor | Gujarat (19,220 ha) |
Key Observations
- Gujarat dominates mangrove restoration efforts
- Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka show active participation
- Smaller UTs (Lakshadweep, Puducherry) have minimal but symbolic contributions
4. State-wise Trends (Highlights)
- High Performance: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Moderate: Odisha, Karnataka
- Low/Minimal: Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Kerala
→ Indicates regional disparity in coastal ecosystem management
5. Livelihood & Community Participation
MISHTI emphasizes people-centric implementation:
- Local communities involved in:
- Nursery raising
- Plantation & seed collection
- Monitoring & maintenance
- Promotes Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Encourages income diversification
→ Links ecology with economy (eco-restoration + livelihood)
6. Eco-Tourism Component
Eco-tourism has been recognized as a forestry activity after amendment in:
- Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980
Funds Allocation for Eco-Tourism
| State/UT | Allocation (₹ Cr) |
|---|
| Gujarat | 7.00 |
| West Bengal | 4.83 |
| Puducherry | 1.00 |
| Odisha | 0.044 |
| Others | 0.00 |
| Total | 12.874 |
→ Focus on sustainable tourism + local employment generation
7. Institutional & Governance Aspect
- Implemented under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Supported by:
- National & State CAMPA
- Local governance structures
- Encourages decentralized planning
8. Environmental & Strategic Implications
- Strengthens coastal disaster resilience
- Supports India’s climate commitments (NDCs)
- Enhances carbon sequestration (blue carbon ecosystems)
- Promotes marine biodiversity conservation
9. Challenges
- Uneven participation across states
- Limited eco-tourism funding in many regions
- Need for long-term monitoring & scientific validation
- Balancing development vs conservation
STATIC PART
MISHTI Scheme
- Full Form: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes
- Launch Date: 5 June 2023
- Announced In: Union Budget 2023–24
- Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Objective: Mangrove restoration, coastal sustainability, livelihood generation
Associated Mechanisms
- CAMPA: Compensatory afforestation funding mechanism
- MGNREGS: Labour support for plantation & restoration
- Eco-tourism: Recognized as forestry activity under amended Forest Act
Updated - 21 August 2025 ; 06:27 PM | PIB