The ‘Mangrove Cell’ initiative in 2025 is primarily associated with which Indian state?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Maharashtra.
The ‘Mangrove Cell’ initiative in 2025 is primarily associated with Maharashtra, a state known for its extensive mangrove cover along the Konkan coast, especially around Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad. Maharashtra was the first Indian state to establish a dedicated Mangrove Cell in 2012 to conserve, regenerate, and protect mangrove ecosystems. In 2025, the initiative gained more importance due to rising coastal erosion, threats from urban expansion, and climate-change-driven sea-level rise. The Mangrove Cell collaborates with local communities, conducts scientific surveys, and promotes eco-tourism through the Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit and Coastal Biodiversity Centers. Other coastal states like Gujarat, West Bengal, and Odisha also protect mangroves, but none have an independent, fully functional Mangrove Cell like Maharashtra.