Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI

Why in news?

• On World Environment Day, in a move to revive wetlands and mangroves across the country, Prime Minister has launched two schemes named Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes).

Objectives of Amrit Dharohar scheme:

• To ensure the conservation of the existing Ramsar sites through public participation
• To make Ramsar sites as centres of eco-tourism and a source of green jobs for thousands of people.
• To achieve sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities over the next three years.

About MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes):

• The programme aims for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands.
• The programme will cover approximately 540 sq km area across nine (9) coastal States and four (4) UTs in five years (2023-2028).
• Major objectives:
  • To revive and protect the mangrove ecosystem in the country.
  • To comprehensively explore the possible area for the development of mangroves
  • Sharing of best practices on plantation techniques, management practices, conservation measures and resource mobilization through the public-private partnership route.

Funding:

• MISHTI will be implemented through convergence between the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund and other sources.  
• The Centre covers 80% of the project cost, while state governments contribute the remaining 20%.

Add ons:

• India currently has 75 Ramsar sites that are wetlands of international importance and designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• In the last nine years, the number of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India has increased almost three times. So a separate protection strategy is necessary.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘MISHTI programme’ recently launched by the government, consider the following statements:

1. It will facilitate mangrove plantation along India's coastline and on salt pan lands

2. The programme utilizes CAMPA Fund for its implementation

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer