← All questionsGS1 · 2019 · Geography ·Mangrove Depletion and Coastal Ecology
QUESTION 5
GS1
10 marks

Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss why mangroves are shrinking and explain their role in coastal ecology.

Discuss + ExplainExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view. Make clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Causes: aquaculture (shrimp farms), urban expansion, agriculture, pollution, changes in freshwater flow, sea-level rise≈30 words
  2. 2Importance: storm and tsunami buffer, nursery for fish, carbon sink (blue carbon), erosion control, livelihoods≈30 words
  3. 3India's mangroves: Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Gujarat≈30 words
  4. 4Measures: MISHTI scheme, community protection≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

CausesImportanceIndia statusMeasuresConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Only importance, no causes
  • No Indian site, e.g. Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika in the 1999 Odisha cyclone, or MISHTI

Draw this

  • Cross-section of a mangrove coast showing protection role

Value addition

  • DataIndia has about 4,992 sq km of mangroves (0.15% of area); Sundarbans holds about 40%.ISFR 2021
  • SchemeMISHTI (2023) aims to plant mangroves on about 540 sq km across 9 states.MoEFCC