Vulnerability of Mangroves to Changing Coastal Regulation Zone: A Case Study of Mandovi and Zuari Rivers of Goa

Abstract

Goa is a coastal State located on the west coast of India, known for its pristine sandy beaches and environment. Ministry of Environment and Forest implemented Coastal Regulation Zone Notification in 1991 for monitoring the coastal zones for unplanned developmental activities but has been just for name-sake purposes (Mascarenhas 1999, Agarwal 2019). The regulation has been changed in recent years thereby making the coastal and the riverine ecosystem more vulnerable to human interference. In the name of development, various hap-hazardous, unplanned activities have taken place which is degrading the coastal and riverine environment, especially mangroves. This paper studies the vulnerability of mangroves to the changing regulations with respect to 1991 and the 2018 CRZ notifications considering the land use land cover changes in the regulated zones of Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Spatial analysis techniques and software such as Arc GIS 10.3, and ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 have been used for analysis and results. The findings from the study can be effectively implemented in monitoring the regulated zones and protecting mangroves efficiently.

Keywords

• coastal regulation zone, mangroves, land use land cover, geographic information system