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International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Research Vol. 11, Issue, 06 (D), pp. 39011-39014, June, 2020 ISSN: 0976-3031 DOI: 10.24327/IJRSR Research Article

DYNAMICS OF COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT THROUGH ECOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE OF STUDENTS IN

Dr.Anis Ahmed B. Choudhery Ph.D

Department of Zoology G.M.Momin Women’s College, Bhiwandi, District Thane 421302 ,

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2020.1106.5424

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article History: The human population in India is second highest in the world. There are millions of students studying across various Universities in country at regular basis and as part of distance education. In Received 13th March, 2020 Mumbai alone there are nearly 1 million students studying in different Indian Universities. Many of Received in revised form 11th them belong to science, management and environmental studies. Excursion or study tour is part of April, 2020 our education, not only science students, commerce, management or even art students take part in Accepted 8th May, 2020 study tours. Published online 28th June, 2020 These tours can be mobilize for restoration and conservation of the coastal areas.The present project

is based on author’s research work carried on Coastal area of Thane creek near Bhandup (salt-Pans) Key Words: of Mumbai. Ecological surveillance, Ecotourism, Coastal During the research it was observed that almost in all the 700 plus colleges affiliated to Mumbai Zones University organises field trips, excursion or Industrial visits are the integral part of the annual happening. Present work is an ecological analysis of sample coastal area which can be modified for outreach activities for the students for ecological surveillances and coastal awareness. Environment Management of coastal zones is a dynamic concept that utilizes all aspects of public awareness, education and training to create or enhance an understanding of the linkages among the issues of sustainable development of coastal environment and to develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives, and values which will empower students to create ability to support and guard the sustainable future of shore line.

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12,442,373.3 The city ranks 2nd most populated city of India INTRODUCTION th and rank 7 in the world. According to various Government Mumbai has an enviable 149-km of coast line along with Thane 1 sources, Mumbai metropolitan area is one of the most densely district which is one of longest coastline of any city in India. populated areas in India. There are several beaches, rocky shores, mangroves and nearly 5500 acres are utilized for Salt-pans.2 The Educational Scenario in Mumbai

Mumbai has ample potential to set-up for students for Mumbai has also made pioneering efforts in the field of programmes like Environmental Education for Sustainable education. The University of Mumbai (known earlier as Development in coastal areas where institutions can mobilize University of Bombay) is one of the oldest and premier students for awareness, training and eco-tourism which will Universities in India. It was established in 1857 consequent help in improving the local environmental quality and upon "Wood's Education Dispatch", and it is one amongst the sustainability. first three Universities in India. Currently there are above 750 colleges and approximate 7 lakhs students enrolled in the Mumbai has many golden crowns on its head, it is the City of various colleges in different faculties.4 A large number of these Joy, Economic Capital of India, City of Cinema or Bollywood, students belong to science faculties and environmental studies City of Night lives, City of dreams and Hope for All. The and many institutions are located either nearby or just beside cosmopolitan nature of Mumbai attracts millions of people the coastal region. across the India and made it one of the heaviest populatedcities The Field Visits in the world. Current Population of Mumbai is estimated to be

*Corresponding author: Dr.Anis Ahmed B. Choudhery Ph.D Department of Zoology G.M.Momin Women’s College, Bhiwandi, District Thane 421302 Maharashtra, India International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 11, Issue, 06 (D), pp. 39011-39014, June, 2020

Beside class room education every college organises excursions appropriate management plan for mangrove forests or field trips or industrial visits or nature trials to give the extra (UNEP/GEF/LPP Mangrove, 2002). exposures to students and now in many subjects it has become Many of the occasion Indian judicial system intervened to an integral part of their courses and influence on passing grades check the destruction of environment The Bombay High or performance scale.5 Court in the year 2005, ruled to prevent any further destruction J. C. Aggarwal (2003) describes that educational field trips are of the city’s mangroves. It cited India’s Forest Conservation also helpful for the teachers to clarify, establish, co-relate and Act of 1980 as well as the Coastal Regulation Zone coordinate accurate concepts, interpretations and appreciations Notification of 1991. and enable him to make learning more concrete, effective, Large demographic pressure is exerting great burden on the interesting, inspirational, meaningful and vivid.6 coastal environment. The main culprit in the destruction of The Coastal Region mangroves is man. To achieve destructive supremacy over nature, human have devastated this wonderful ecosystem Mumbai is a beautiful city and nature has blessed Mumbai with almost irreparably. Land reclamations and industrial effluents, 149-km of long coast line comprising beautiful beaches and encroachments for agricultural purposes are the major reasons lush green mangroves. Some of these coastal areas are world of mangroves degradation. famous tourist spots and attract domestic as well foreign tourists, example beach, Chowpatty, Marine Systematic dumping of all kinds of waste and debris in the lines, , Aqsa Beach etc. These are very small mangrove areas destroys them. areas and may not comprise even 10% of all coastal areas of 1. This waste/debris creates a barrier preventing the sea Mumbai. Unfortunately rest 90% or more are not only water from entering the mangroves and eventually kills remained unexplored, neglected but also misused by the the mangroves. In many occasions, this is done people. Most parts are encroached illegally and huge human deliberately to reclaim land for construction activity. settlement established in couple of decades by causing huge There is an urgent need to stop this systematic destruction of mangroves. 9 degradation of mangroves. Mangroves 2. There are other regions also like for development of Ports, deforestation for fuel wood, agriculture etc. Mangrove forest is an evergreen plant community found Importance of Mangroves mainly in the tropics on the fringes of naturally protected shorelines such as deltas and estuaries. The paucity of species 1. It is Buffer Zone between the land and sea, which helps occurring in mangrove forests is due to the peculiar conditions in disasters there are evidences that many villages in of their existence, few plants being able to tolerate and flourish Tamil Nadu could be saved because of Mangroves in saline mud and with frequent inundation by sea water. The during Tsunami in the year 2004. mangrove habitat is a dynamic land–water interface zone that 2. It plays an invaluable role as nature's shield against can change through rapidly varying depths in both time and Tsunami, Sea Storms, cyclones, ecological disasters and space. As such, mangroves provide a linkage between the land as protector of shorelines. and the sea. Plants, animals, non-living material and plant 3. It is a breeding ground for variety of Marine lives nutrients are transferred landwards or seawards through including plants and animals. It saves marine diversified mangroves. They act as a filter in reducing the damaging effect ecosystem of major environmental changes, and as a source of 4. It nurtures and a variety of animal life formswhich nourishment for both aquatic and terrestrial animals, includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and even Mangroves also play a pivotal role in coastal protection and the mammals. maintenance of habitats for a large range of common, 5. It also Purify the water by absorbing impurities threatened and endangered species; hence they are of great including harmful heavy metals and help us to breathe a importance in the maintenance of regional biodiversity. It is clean air by absorbing pollutants in the air.10 axiomatic that the management of mangroves has always to be 6. Above all it has huge potential to use for recreational a part of the management of the surrounding habitats and purposes and Eco-Tourism. ecosystems into which they integrate.7 Research and Finding Mangroves represent a rich and diverse living resource, now During myPh.D. research on some ecological aspects of salt- recognized to be a major protector of coastal environments and pans at Bhandup , Mumbai following observation were made a valuable national economic resource. The economic potential of mangroves stem from three main sources: forest products, 1. Water quality is tremendously good and lowest average estuarine near shore fisheries, and ecotourism oxygen in all month was found 3.5mg/litre at three zones (UNEP/GEF/LPP Mangrove, 2002). 8 out of five zones of salt-pans. A wide area is utilized only as reservoirs for salt-pans and full of lush green The intrinsic value of the mangrove ecosystem is enormous, mangroves. however, and only becomes apparent when large investments 2. BOD and COD these two parameter are associated with have to be made in constructing coastal protection structures pollutions also found to be lesser then 3mg/l (yearly and water treatment plants that attempt to reproduce the natural average) as there is no direct dumping of domestic waste functions of the mangrove forest. The losses thus incurred are of the city. 11 substantial, and offer adequate justification for establishing an 3. Air temperature and water temperature were found to be fairly supportive to coastal forestry. 12 39012 | P a g e Dr.Anis Ahmed B. Choudhery Ph.D., Dynamics of Coastal Zone Management Through Ecological Surveillance of Students in Mumbai

4. These areas can be utilized for mariculture, ie. culture of Surveys indicate that most of the students had not taken study semi Marine organisms including prawn culture, fish tours seriously as a tool of learning through exposure. 52% of culture, gastropods culture etc. them consider it as tool of entertainment and get together. 5. It can be used for construction of Coastal Shelter for Learning expectation was only 10% It was astonishing to know Birds, where migratory bird can be protected as well as that only 04% of them had expectation to acquiring skill bird watching can be felicitated. through these visits. 6. Establishment of Mangrove-parks in Coastal regions can The last part of the questioners was with the options of be good conservative method for these coastal plants. objectives of their study tours. 70% of students had preferred

skill development and conservation over other options. As it will enhance chances of employability. Smaller number of students prefer (8%) entrainment and even learning and education (10%), employability from their visits.

Environmental Conservation, Environmental Surveillances and Ecology might be compulsory part of subject of learning for science students but it is a subject of concern for all the humanbeing, as our survival depend on it. We should not only to have good and healthy life for us but it is also our duty to keep considering our future generations.

It is quite unfortunate that during my interrogation I found that from non-science background not even single students could name single marine plant , mangroves, coastal birds etc.

Ecological surveillance of Coastal Areas

Ecological surveillance will play a vital role in harvesting interest of ecological niches in students as well as create future gardeners of the environment. Students should be asked to visit in a small group make a report of nearby coastal region. A

simple observation table should be provided which should Coastal Zones of Mumbai include animal column, plant column and map of the area. They should be asked to collect monthly album of their adopted METHODOLOGY coastal zones.

A survey based on selection and purpose of field visit was Same report should be asked to prepare by another group in conducted of 1000 undergraduate student in the year 2019 from another month and thus we can have complete yearly August-2019 to December -2019. A survey format was given to observation by these finding. them and few options were given to them to choose for field visits and its purpose. Survey was conducted from 3 districts, Objectives of Ecological surveillance

Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. 1. To create an awareness in the student communities Findings of surveys about the coastal environment andits importance. It

A-Choice for places by students and their options (survey will also sensitize them toward their natural affinity statistic) for environment 2. To generate interest in students for coastal Students Shoppin Industrial Natures’ No- Beaches NGOs conservation. Statistic g Mall Visit trial Option 100% 10% 20% 05% 25% 10% 20% 3. To help in the conservation of mangroves. 4. To help in conservation of Coastal animals B-Expectations from these visits (survey statistic) Skill for Survival Education Students Acquiring Exposure Entertainment and Nothing Coastal areas have plenty of opportunities for educational Statistic Skill learning institutions and universities to explore and acquire new 100% 23% 52% 10% 04% 11% resources for survival and skill for lives. Few are from my own

C-What if the conservation and skill part compulsorily get research findings are from Salt-pans. It was found that salt-pans associated withtheir visit.(survey statistic) are pretty good for

13 Education 1. Prawn culture Students Conservation 2 Exposure Entertainment and Nothing 2. Brine Aquaculture Statistic and skill learning 3. Fish culture 100% 10% 08% 10% 70% 2% A short term on field certificate course in these areas can be introduced to boost the coastal economy and multi-dimensional FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION use of salt-pans and other coastal areas. It should be without any discrimination of the subject and faculties. This will be

39013 | P a g e International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 11, Issue, 06 (D), pp. 39011-39014, June, 2020 very useful for the students, institutions and will create great References wealth for nation. It will open new avenues for millions of people living near Mumbai. No wonder it may bring first blue 1. Govt. of Maharashtra Coastal Maharashtra revolution India. Development Council (CMDC) (www.cidcindia.com) 2020 Mangrove parks

In many countries Mangrove parks are promoted as unique 2. Anis A.B. Choudhery Some ecological aspects of Salt- tourist spot. We have hundreds of kilometres of coastal area pans Ph.D Thesisi University of Mumbai 2019 around Mumbai. We have very lush green Mangroves colony 3. Govt of India Census India 2011 from Wadala to Thane, Kalyan to Vasai but we are unable to 4. University of Mumbai Annual report 2019-20 create a very good mangrove park to boost Eco-tourism. With - https://mu.ac.in/ student’s community we can promote it and with support of the 5. UGC-National Curriculum Framework and Guideline people of all the ages to shoulder responsibility for creating and 2019 Fostering social responsibility and community enjoying it. Engagement in higher education Institution in India 6. Aggarwal, J.C. (2003). “Essentials of Sustainable Tourism/Ecotourism Eco-Tourism have the hidden educational technology teaching learning. Innovations in and often ignored potential for incorporating conservation with education”, Vikas publishing house pvtLtd. sustainable livelihoods and development. It will also promote 7. Ong, J.E.,1993 Mangroves – a carbon source and sink. bio-culture, biodiversity and unique localised environment. Chemosphere 27, 1097–1107 Such studies will be useful in streamlining the tourism policies, 8. Christopher John Paterson (Chris Paterson)2009 planning and implementation strategies at larger level. UNEP/GEF/LPP Mangrove, Terminal Report 2009

Environmental Education for Sustainable Development of 9. (S. Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre-report) Coastal areas Annual Report 2008 10. Mark Everard, Rohit Jha The benefits of fringing History reveals the youth played vital roles in all the great mangrove systems to Mumbai-Article (PDF Available) revolutions across the globe. Students of higher education of in Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater the University of Mumbai can certainly be an effective Ecosystems 24(2) • April 2014 instrument in dealing with the localised environmental issues. With support of management, faculties of educational 11. APHA 1985 Standard method for examination of water institutions and a futurist planning by the ecologists, they can and waste water 16thedition , Washington make considerable difference in creating awareness, sourcing 12. Bhattacharya S. S1965 Salinity and thermal self-employment through eco-management and acquiring tolerance of Marine planktons. Ph. D. Thesis Univ. of training for aquaculture. Bombay

It will be playing great role in maintaining quality environment 13. CMFRI 1986 July – September – Newletter – sustainability and support Atam-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of our Prawn culture in salt – pan areas – A profitable venture government. 14. Klaus Schmitt 2013 Mangrove planting, community participation and integrated management in Soc Trang Province, Viet Nam

How to cite this article:

Dr.Anis Ahmed B. Choudhery Ph.D.2020, Dynamics of Coastal Zone Management Through Ecological Surveillance of Students in Mumbai. Int J Recent Sci Res. 11(06), pp. 39011-39014. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2020.1106.5424

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