Why is it in the news?
The court allowed removal of mangroves for coastal road projects.
Raises concerns about ecological importance of mangroves.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants found in coastal intertidal zones
● Thrive in saline and brackish water conditions
● Have special roots like pneumatophores for respiration
● Prop roots provide stability against tides and storms
● Exhibit vivipary where seeds germinate on parent plant
● Act as major carbon sinks and mitigate climate change
● Provide habitat for marine and terrestrial species
● Found in Sundarbans, Godavari, Mahanadi and Andaman regions
● Protect coastlines from erosion and natural disasters