(a) whether the damage due to Tsunami waves was comparatively less on the shores where there are mangroves and vegetations;
(b) if so, whether the Government has any scheme to develop Eco-shelters by cultivating vegetations and mangroves along the Sea-shores; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA):
(a) No such authoritative findings based on a scientific study is available;
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) Under the Mangrove Management Action Plan, 35 mangrove areas in the country have been identified for intensive conservation and management. Rs.3.90 crores have been released by the Union Government to concerned Coastal States and Union Territories during 2004 and 2005. However, trees in general and mangroves in particular do have mitigating effect and substantially reduce the impact of Tsunami waves.