Andhra Pradesh Shines in Mangrove Restoration, Secures National Second Place

Amaravati – In a move that’s turning heads across the country, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the front‑runner among Indian states in mangrove restoration, clinching the coveted second place under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.

Speaking on Sunday, officials from the state Forest Department highlighted that the 2025‑26 fiscal year saw the planting of 2,047.70 hectares of mangroves – a figure that translates to roughly 7,000 acres of newly‑established coastal forest. The effort was backed by an investment of ₹18.04 crore, earmarked specifically for coastal ecosystem restoration.

What makes Andhra Pradesh’s approach stand out is its embrace of the innovative “Fish‑Bone Technique.” By mimicking the skeletal structure of a fish, this method improves tidal water flow, boosts mangrove survival rates and, in the long run, strengthens the ecological resilience of the shoreline.

Looking ahead, the department has set an ambitious target: 1,618 hectares of mangrove habitats are slated for restoration in the 2026‑27 period. The goal isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about weaving science‑based restoration, sustainable coastal management and continuous conservation into a fabric that protects both biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan praised the achievement, calling the MISHTI ranking a “proud milestone” on the state’s climate‑resilience journey. He lauded the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, senior officers, field staff and every frontline worker who helped make the 2,047‑hectare restoration possible.

"Mangroves are the guardians of our coast, the lungs of our shoreline, and one of nature’s greatest gifts," Kalyan reminded listeners on International Mangrove Conservation Day. He explained that along Andhra Pradesh’s 1,053 km coastline, these ecosystems serve as the first line of defence against cyclones, storm surges, sea‑erosion and the broader impacts of climate change.

The state’s broader vision, encapsulated in the “Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh,” envisions a thriving, blue‑carbon rich shoreline that secures blue‑carbon credits, sustains marine life and safeguards the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal farmers alike.

With nearly 7,000 acres already restored over the past two years, the government is now eyeing an additional 4,000 acres for the 2026‑27 cycle. "Every mangrove restored strengthens our coastline; every mangrove conserved secures lives, livelihoods and the future," Kalyan urged.

As the second‑place ranking under MISHTI underscores, Andhra Pradesh’s commitment is not just a badge of honour—it’s a living, breathing strategy to build a greener, more resilient future for its people and the planet.