The project aims to conduct a comparative ecological assessment to understand the damage caused by Nisarg and Tauktae in and around mangroves and non-mangrove ecosystems of Maharashtra.

1. To assess impacts of cyclone ‘Nisarg’ and ‘Tauktae’ in mangrove and non-mangrove coastal habitats of Raigad and Ratnagiri districts
2. To check the effectiveness of mangroves in preventing salt water inundation and wind-related damage to the coastal property during cyclones.
3. To give further recommendations for the ecological restoration of coastal areas and habitats in cyclone-hit areas

A super cyclone, Nisarg, hit the western coast of Maharashtra on 15 June 2020 and it caused tremendous destruction all along the coast of Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. It caused heavy damage to the coastal ecosystem including destruction to the plantations (Mango, Cashew, Areca, Coconut, etc.), standing crops in the fields, and physical infrastructure. 

This cyclone was followed by cyclone Tauktae on 17^th May 2021 , a powerful, deadly and damaging tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea, that became the strongest tropical cyclone to make a landfall in the Indian state of Gujarat while causing widespread damage along its path in coastal Konkan. The project aims to conduct comparative ecological assessment to understand the damage caused by Nisarg and Tauktae in and around mangrove and non-mangrove ecosystem areas and assess the significant role played by the mangrove ecosystem.