Mangroves policy cleared by Maharashtra government to create jobs for 50 villages

The state cabinet has set aside a budget of Rs 15 crore for 2017-18 to implement the policy in 50 villages across the coastal districts

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday decided to adopt a new policy to protect mangroves on public and private land by setting up ‘mangrove co-management committees’, to conserve them and create employment opportunities there for local residents.

The state cabinet has set aside a budget of Rs 15 crore for 2017-18 to implement the policy in 50 villages across the coastal districts of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The cabinet also gave approval to expand the policy to 75 more villages in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

“The local mangrove co-management committees will prepare a long-term plan for the conservation of mangroves in their areas and perform the tasks necessary to preserve, conserve and grow mangroves. Under the scheme, local residents can take up projects such as breeding of crabs, prawns, other fishery-related activities, bee-keeping and so on,” a state government official said.

For group projects, the state government will fund 90% of the cost, while the committee will chip in with the rest. For projects led by an individual, the state government will fund 75% of the cost, while they will have to foot the rest.

Besides state funds, the government will also try to avail of aid through various district schemes, the mangrove foundation and corporate social responsibility to implement the policy.