The term "mangrove ecosystem" describes how the various components interact and depend on one another. Among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide is the mangrove wetland habitat. Mangroves have a key role in reducing the effects of cyclones, coastal erosion, sea level rise, and tsunamis while also protecting shorelines and sequestering carbon. Locals can make a living from the distinctive mangrove ecology, which is ideal for the wide diversity of fish and associated species. In all districts of Kerala, mangroves are found along the coast. Mangroves are most abundant in the Kannur district, followed by Ernakulum and Calicut. Urbanization and population growth have had a detrimental effect on the delicate mangrove habitat. This study looks at how urbanization, functional character and population effected on mangrove distribution.
Mangroves are vital to the coastal ecosystems in which they reside. Mangrove ecosystems are uncommon coastal wetlands with high productivity that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. According to Giri et al (2011)
Kannur is one of the 14 districts of the Indian state of Kerala that run along the west coast. Between latitudes 11° 40' to 12° 48' North and longitudes 74° 52' to 75° 56' east is the Kannur
To identify the impact of population distribution on Mangroves.
To examine the effects of urbanization on mangroves in Kannur's coastal region.
For the present study data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. This will be analysed using the urbanisation and population characteristics of the coastal zone of Kannur. This study examines the regional distribution of urbanization and mangroves between 1991 and 2021.
Data regarding population and urban aspects have been collected from India's census.
Secondary data was collected from various governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Data related to mangroves was collected mainly from primary data using a GPS survey and field investigation for the study.
Understanding a region's demographics is crucial for its sociocultural and physical aspects, and understanding geography is important for sustainable planning and natural resource management. Decrease of Sunderban mangrove were probably due to the massive increase of population, i.e. more than 20% per decade and subsequently with the establishment of new settlements as well as expansion of old ones in the entire Sunderban region
|
Census Year |
Population |
% Decennial Variation |
|
1991 |
22,51,727 |
16.63 |
|
2001 |
24,08,956 |
6.98 |
|
2011 |
25,23,003 |
4.73 |
Source: District census reports
The Kannur district population is 25,23,003 as per the 2011 Census, constituting around 7.56% of the state population. The population density of Kannur district is about 852 persons per km2. The district has 5 Taluks namely Taliparamba, Kannur, Thalassery, Iritty and Payyannur. The
The population distribution pattern in Kannur's coastline zone is unequal throughout the various administrative divisions. There is increased population pressure in the coastal zone's urbanized areas. Approximately two-thirds of Kerala's population resides in the coastal districts. As a result, coastal settlements have an extremely high population density, with 677–2159 person per square kilometre. Increased multi-user conflicts and faster degradation of the region's coastal resources are the results of increasing population pressure and the corresponding shift in land use patterns.
Kerala's Kannur district saw significant demographic fluctuations between 1991 and 2011 (
In comparison to other parts of the coastal zone, mangroves are more prevalent in the northern portion of Kannur's coastal zone where there is very little population dispersal except for Payyannur municipality. The mangroves' highest density was found in the low-population areas of Cherukunnu, Ezhom, and Kunhimangalam Panchayaths. In 1991, Kannur had approximately 22.2 sq. km of mangroves, but this reduced to 12.47 sq. km, marking a loss of about 9.73 sq. km (44% decrease). Rate of Decline over a period of around 30 years, this represents an average annual reduction of 0.324 sq. km per year. Encroachment of land for resources and population pressure on land is the major reason behind the decline of mangroves in coastal zone of Kannur.
Instead of greater industrialization, as is the case in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh, and Karnataka, the main cause of urbanization in Kerala is the expansion of the territorial sector. Kerala had an urbanization rate of 65% in 2011, which was much higher than the then-average 31% for the country. In Kerala, the urbanization process spread to semi-urban and smaller towns. Of 2011, the rate of urbanization of Kannur was 48%, compared to 26% in 2001 (
As the district's administrative centre, Kannur has sway over the entire area. The two main urban centres in the district are Thalassery and Kannur, which are only 23 kilometres apart. To a certain degree, these two towns operate as twin towns.
There are four major urban areas in the coastal zone of Kannur (
The functional character and distribution of mangroves throughout Kannur's coastal zone are shown on
The rural administrative divisions of the coastal zone area contain more than half of Kannur's mangroves. Kunhimangalam, Ezhom, Pattuvam, and Cherukunnu account for 52% of Kannur's total mangrove cover. 16% of the total mangrove cover is shared by these regions. High densities and quick expansion of semi-urbanized areas characterize Kannur's coastal zone, which illustrates the rural-urban transition. This change resulted in less mangrove cover. In 1991, mangroves were widely dispersed in the urbanized regions of Anthoor municipality, Kannur Corporation, and Payyannur. In 2021, Kannur's mangroves were undoubtedly concentrated in rural areas.
Severe damage and loss of mangroves identified in Kannur Corporation, Payyannur, mainly due to urbanisation and population explosion. Despite of high population density and urbanization, mangrove area increases about 1.2% in Thalassery municipality, mainly due to several conservation efforts. The reduction of mangroves in Kannur highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent further loss. A multi-stakeholder strategy involving the government, local communities, and environmental organizations is needed to address this issue. Mangrove ecosystem restoration can help mitigate climate change, preserve coastal populations, and maintain wildlife. Policy makers, urban planners, and communities must work together to achieve sustainable interdependence and existence of ecosystem.