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News: The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a long-standing petition by Tata Chemicals Ltd (TCL) and held it liable for extensive environmental damage to the Gulf of Kutch Marine Sanctuary.
About Gulf of Kutch Marine Sanctuary
- Location: The Gulf of Kutch Marine Sanctuary is located on the southern shoreline of the Gulf of Kutch, along the Jamnagar coast, Gujarat.
- The sanctuary area also encompasses a national park (Marine National Park).
- It is the first protected marine area in India.
- Established in: It was established in 1980.
- Area: It covers 458 sq. km, of which the park covers 163 sq. km.
- It covers five islands and the intertidal zone from Navlakhi to Okha.
- Ecosystem: It primarily protects two major ecosystems – corals and mangroves.
- River associated: Some of the major rivers, such as the Ghi, Sinhan, and Sasoi Rivers, flow through it.
- Flora: It contains seven species of mangroves, along with 120 species of algae and several species of grasses, shrubs and herbs.
- Fauna:
- The mangroves are breeding grounds for colonies of near-threatened species of birds such as the Painted Stork, Darter and Black-necked Ibis.
- It is home to more than 40 species of sponges, starfish, octopuses, puffer fish, and dolphins.
- Nearby beaches serve as breeding grounds for the green sea turtle, and is also home to the rare and endangered sea cow, Dugongs.
- It is also home to the Kharai camel.
