Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI initiatives launched

June 7, 2023

On the eve of World Environment Day (June 5), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched Amrit Dharohar and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) initiatives.

ABOUT AMRIT DHAROHAR SCHEME

Amrit Dharohar aims at promoting the unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites through active public participation.
- India currently has 75 Ramsar sites that are wetlands of international importance and designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
It aims to encourage optimal use of wetlands for enhancing biodiversity, carbon stock, ecotourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.

Amrit Sarovar Mission

– It is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country as a part of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

– The target was creation of 50,000 water bodies of a size of about an Acre or more by August 15, 2023, which has been achieved ahead of schedule.

-The Mission encouraged mobilisation of citizen and non-govt resources for supplementing these efforts.

– Under Ministry of Rural Development

The scheme intends to achieve sustainable ecosystem development and will be implemented over the next three years (2023-26).

Note- This is not to be confused with Amrit Sarovar Mission

ABOUT MISHTI SCHEME

MISHTI: “Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes” was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to promote and conserve mangroves.
The Programme will cover approximately 540 sq km area across nine (9) coastal States and four (4) UTs in five years (2023-2028).
It will create around 22.8 million man-days with estimated carbon sink of 4.5 million tons of Carbon.
It will also create potential areas for nature tourism and livelihood potential for local communities.
It will operate through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund and other sources.
The Government of India covers 80% of the project cost, while the State Governments contribute the remaining 20%.

ABOUT MANGROVES

Mangroves are unique, natural eco-system having very high biological productivity and carbon sequestration potential, besides working as a bio-shield.
They are found in tropical and sub-tropical intertidal regions characterized by high rainfall (between 1,000 to 3,000 mm), temperature range (26^o C- 35^o C) and calm water with sufficient sediments to set down roots.
West Bengal has the highest mangrove cover, followed by Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.