What is MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme?
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to facilitate mangrove plantation along India's 7,516 km coastline and on salt pan lands. Implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in convergence with MGNREGS and CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), MISHTI creates employment for coastal communities while restoring ecological balance. Mangroves are called 'coastal rainforests' — they protect against cyclones (like Odisha's mangroves during Phailin), sequester 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests, provide fish nursery habitats, and reduce coastal erosion. India's mangrove cover has declined from 6,740 sq km (1987) to 4,992 sq km currently — MISHTI targets planting across 540+ km of new mangrove cover (5,400 hectares). States covered: West Bengal (Sundarbans), Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, and Andaman & Nicobar. MGNREGS laborers are paid for mangrove sapling planting and maintenance, creating 50+ person-days of employment per hectare per year.
MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | MISHTI Scheme 2026 — Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes: Coastal Mangrove Restoration |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Benefit | Employment for coastal MGNREGS workers (₹267-357/day) in mangrove planting + Coastal protection from cyclones/erosion + Carbon credits from restored mangroves (future benefit) + Fisheries enhancement + No direct cash transfer to individuals |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Last Verified | 27 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://moef.gov.in |
Benefits of MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme
Employment for coastal MGNREGS workers (₹267-357/day) in mangrove planting + Coastal protection from cyclones/erosion + Carbon credits from restored mangroves (future benefit) + Fisheries enhancement + No direct cash transfer to individuals
Who is Eligible for MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme?
- ✓Coastal MGNREGS workers in mangrove-rich states (West Bengal, Odisha, AP, TN, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Andaman) can get employment under MISHTI-MGNREGS convergence
- ✓State Forest Departments implement planting — no individual applications for planting grants
- ✓Fishing communities benefit from improved fish catch as mangroves serve as fish nurseries
- ✓Local SHGs and JFM (Joint Forest Management) committees can engage as mangrove care-takers
Documents Required for MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme
How to Apply for MISHTI — Mangrove Restoration Scheme Online?
- 1For employment: Approach your local Gram Panchayat / MGNREGS office for MISHTI plantation work
- 2State Forest Department selects mangrove sites and creates Detailed Project Reports
- 3CAMPA funds are released to states for mangrove planting in non-MGNREGS areas
- 4Joint Forest Management committees engage local communities for long-term mangrove maintenance
Official Government Portal
Applications go through moef.gov.in only. Applying is free of charge — no agent, middleman or "consultant" is ever required.
🔗Apply on moef.gov.in